Former goalkeeper Robert Green claims his old side let off the hook after they crashed out of the following a chaotic night at the Bernabeu.
Chelsea’s reign as European champions looked all but over following last week’s 3-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge, but a mixture of spirit and ingenuity saw ’s side drag themselves back into the contest.
Goals from Mason Mount and Antonio Rudiger levelled the tie and Chelsea were within 15 minutes of the last four when Timo Werner justified his selection with what looked to be the decisive goal.
Mistakes in possession and individual quality, however, saw Real claw their way back from the brink with substitute Rodrygo sending a pulsating contest to extra-time where Karim Benzema pounced to head home his 38th goal of an incredible personal campaign.
Green felt Chelsea were comfortably the better side on the night, however, and would be left to rue the errors that cost them the opportunity to take a step closer to defending their crown.
‘It really has been a wonderful effort from Chelsea. They have made a real game of it,’ Green told the BBC.
‘Real Madrid have got away with one tonight. A moment of brilliance from Modric gave them the lifeline.
‘Chelsea invested so much in the game. Tuchel said we have to invest so much and they did.
‘They put hearts and souls into this game. Real Madrid looked lost. They looked like they didn’t have a clue, like they were short of confidence.
‘But they have players who produce moments. Today it was Modric, Courtois and Benzema.’
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