JUST-IN: Benzema stunner cancels out Pulisic strike as Chelsea draw in Madrid
Karim Benzema became the joint-fourth highest scorer in Champions League history as Real Madrid came from behind to earn a 1-1 draw with Chelsea in the first-leg of a finely-poised semi final in Spain.
The French star cushioned a header into his own path and flashed home a superb equaliser on 29 minutes after Christian Pulisic had shown excellent composure to round Thibaut Courtois and give the visitors an early lead.
🏁 FT: @realmadriden 1-1 @ChelseaFC
⚽ @Benzema 29'; Pulisic 14'#Emirates | #UCL pic.twitter.com/gGb9qUkXpN— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) April 27, 2021
🎩✨ We are running out of words for @Benzema… #UCL pic.twitter.com/UoF1JgD2cq
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) April 27, 2021
Chelsea were by the far the superior team in the opening stages and could have doubled their advantage, but the game turned more even following Benzema’s moment of magic. It was the Real forward’s 71st goal in the competition and saw him draw level with Madrid legend, Raul.
#CP10 🇺🇸 #RMACHE https://t.co/IywXKuD23u
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) April 27, 2021
ft. It's all to play for at the Bridge next week! 👊#RMACHE pic.twitter.com/kXt1dMh8Ej
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) April 27, 2021
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The hosts looked to fit-again Eden Hazard with 24 minutes remaining but he could not inspire his team to snatch a winning goal from th bench at the expense of his former club.
Chelsea will now host Fulham on Saturday prior to the second leg of this tie at Stamford Bridge next Wednesday. Real Madrid are at home to Osasuna.