Thibaut Courtois gave Real Madrid an outrageous point-blank save to keep his team ahead on aggregate in the Champions League quarter-final.
The vital stop helped Los Blancos hang on to their 2-0 lead over the Blues in the first half of the second leg.
The former Chelsea goalie even appeared to kiss the Real Madrid badge after making the tremendous save.
But Chelsea, who got off to a fine start, knocked on Real Madrid’s door in the first half.
N’Golo Kante missed a golden opportunity at the beginning of the match. The ball fell to him on the edge of the area, but he shot it wide.
The Frenchman’s return from injury has already given the Blues a step up. His versatility gives Chelsea a defensive midfielder, attacking midfielder, winger, and even striker. Of course, that’s way too much dependability for one player.
Meanwhile, Brazilian starlet Rodrygo struck in the 57th minute to put Los Blancos up 3-nil. The goal, a knockout blow, virtually secured Madrid’s advancement to the Champions League semifinals. Rodrygo celebrated with the iconic Ronaldo “siuuuuuu’ in front of the Chelsea crowd.
Fellow Brazilian Vini Jr provided the assist.
The 22-year-old in-form winger has contributed 21 times in his last Champions League games for Real Madrid, with ten goals and 11 assists, respectively. He usually tees them up for top striker Karim Benzema, who played an uncharacteristically quiet game at Stamford Bridge.
Rodrygo scored again in the 80th minute, signaling game, set, match. That strike, his 15th in the Champions League, gives him one more than the great Zinedine Zidane. And he surely kissed the badge.
Tonight’s win means Real Madrid has qualified for 11 Champions League semifinals in 13 years, an unreal feat.
Photo: Twitter/InvictosSomos
