Champions League | Benzema strikes again as Real Madrid beat 10-man Chelsea 2-0; Milan beats Napoli
The Hindu
Real Madrid beat Chelsea 2-0 and AC Milan beat Napoli 1-0 in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals
A tap-in by Karim Benzema and a powerful strike by substitute Marco Asensio earned European champions Real Madrid a 2-0 win over 10-man Chelsea in their Champions League quarterfinal, first leg in the Spanish capital on Wednesday.
Benzema, the scourge of Chelsea at the same stage of the competition last season, converted from point blank range in the 21st minute when Kepa Arrizabalaga saved from Vinicius Junior but could only touch the ball in the direction of the Frenchman.
It was Benzema's 90th Champions League goal with the last 11 all coming against English clubs.
Chelsea — under caretaker coach Frank Lampard after a dismal season so far — went close to scoring in the first half but Joao Felix and Raheem Sterling were thwarted by Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois playing against his former club.
The Londoners' chances of getting back into the game suffered a major setback in the 59th minute when Ben Chilwell was shown a straight red card for bringing down Rodrygo with a tug of the Brazilian's shirt when he was bearing down on goal.
Asensio had been on the field for just three minutes when he was fed by Vinicius on the edge of the box and the Spain international drilled in a low shot that went through the legs of Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana and beyond Kepa's dive.
The win at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium puts the 14-time European champions in the driver's seat ahead of the second leg at Stamford Bridge on April 18.
BJP aims for more women representation in its structure ahead of implementing one-third reservation for Lok Sabha and state assemblies.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve discusses party's decision to contest local body elections solo amid MVA unity.
Gandhimathi, the beloved female elephant at Sri Nellaiappar Temple, passes away after battling multiple ailments.
Arvind Kejriwal warns Delhi voters of BJP's plan to demolish slums, prioritizing land acquisition over welfare. AAP seeks re-election.
Laurene Powell Jobs visits Kashi Vishwanath Temple before Maha Kumbh, accompanied by Swami Kailashanand Giri Ji Maharaj.
Rakhi Singh, a minor girl given 'sannyasa', expelled from Juna Akhada for rule violation, guru also expelled for 7 years.
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut discusses party's decision to contest local body polls independently, emphasizing organizational growth and unity.
Mumbai police arrest three in jewellery company scam involving Ponzi and MLM schemes worth crores.
Dewatering process ongoing in flooded Assam coal mine, with four bodies recovered and final stage expected soon.
Archbishop Joseph Pamplany appointed Metropolitan vicar of Syro-Malabar Church, arrives at Archbishop's House amidst rebel priests' presence.
Eight fishermen arrested by Sri Lankan Navy for poaching, sparking concerns over safety and livelihood of Rameswaram fishermen.