After Karim Benzema’s hat-trick put Real Madrid in front of the quarter-final first leg at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea’s grasp on the Champions League hangs in the balance.
After veteran France striker Benzema gave his latest masterclass, Real coach Carlo Ancelotti made a victorious return to the club where he won the Premier League and FA Cup double.
Benzema, 34, punished holders Chelsea with two beautiful headers in the space of three minutes midway through the first half, fresh off a treble that sunk Paris St-Germain in the last 16
Chelsea had a chance before the interval thanks to Kai Havertz’s header, but Benzema’s third goal came seconds after the restart thanks to goalie Edouard Mendy’s clumsy clearance.
