Real Madrid send Chelsea crashing out of UEFA Champions League

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Real Madrid rode out the storm in London to cruise past Chelsea and secure their place in the Champions League semi-final for a UEFA record 32nd time.

With a conservative lineup from Frank Lampard, Chelsea looked to frustrate Real Madrid in the opening exchanges, and pick their moments to try and claw their way back into the tie.

It was the Blues, however, who carved out the first big chance of the night, but N’Golo Kanté somehow sent his close-range effort fizzing just wide of the post.

The Londoners pressure persisted, but the experience of Real Madrid was on full display as the La Liga side rode out the storm as the clock ticked past the half-hour mark.

Lampard’s men thought they found their opener to cut the deficit in half, but Thibaut Courtois flew across his goal to make a fantastic save on Marc Cucurella from point-blank range just before the half-time whistle.

It was much of the same in the second interval, as Chelsea pushed to find the goal that would blow the tie wide open once again, but they continued to spurn their chances in front of goal.

The hosts were finally punished by Madrid on the break, as the Chelsea hopes were dashed by Rodrygo, who tapped home from close range after a scramble in front of goal, all but driving the final nail into Chelsea’s Champions League coffin.

The cherry on top came for the Madrid outfit in the final ten minutes, as a superb team move was capped off by Rodrygo once again, sparking a mass exodus around Stamford Bridge.

It was a typical Champions League final performance from Los Blancos, and they now will await their fate in the semi-final, as they face the winner of Manchester City and Bayern Munich.