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'Light work for Madrid!' - Fans react as Real Madrid beat Chelsea 2-0 in their first leg of Champions League quarter-final

Chelsea's early dominance faded as Real Madrid gradually asserted more control, aided by tendency to give the ball away far too frequently.

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Akshay
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Real Madrid (Source: Twitter)

Real Madrid Real Madrid (Source: Twitter)

Chelsea got off to a flying start in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid, creating two fantastic counter-attacking opportunities in the first five minutes. However, Joo Félix was unable to convert a 1-v-1, and a 3-v-3 also went unconverted.

Chelsea's early dominance faded as Real gradually asserted more control, aided by Chelsea's tendency to give the ball away far too frequently and in far too dangerous places. And it was from one of those turnovers that Madrid would create a swift opportunity, with Carvajal lobbying the ball over the top for Vini Jr to poke at the goal. Kepa got a hand on it, but all he did was redirect it in the direction of that man, Karim Benzema, who didn't miss the tap-in.

Chelsea replied almost quickly, but Thibaut Courtois saved with his heart when it appeared that Raheem Sterling would easily score from James' cross. Thiago Silva, on the other hand, cleared acrobatically to maintain the deficit at one. The rest of the first half was a little less high-octane, with the home side largely in control and Chelsea unable to gain a footing — and still giving the ball over far too frequently.

Chelsea get a red card, Madrid extend their lead

Chelsea showed some newfound vigour at the start of the second half, but it was the hosts who generated more chances. Then Koulibaly took a knock on a desperate defensive play, setting off a tragic chain of events that included Cucurella coming on for him, losing his man, and Chilwell receiving a red card for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity by dragging back Rodrygo.

Ten-man Chelsea attempted to hold out and minimise the damage, but Real would score again, with Asensio steering a well-placed shot through two static defenders and a late-diving custodian. Mount came dangerously close to stealing a late consolation, but Rüdiger made a huge block to deny us that satisfaction.

Here is how fans reacted

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