Eden Hazard has explained why he wasn’t surprised that Chelsea caused Real Madrid several problems during the first leg of their Champions League semi-final.
The Blues claimed a 1-1 draw against the La Liga giants last night but there will be a hint of regret among Thomas Tuchel and his players that they didn’t come away victorious.
Chelsea fashioned several opportunities in the opening period, but only one was taken. In the 14th minute, Antonio Rudiger lofted a pass over the Madrid defence and Christian Pulisic brought the ball down before showing remarkable composure to round Thibaut Courtois and fire home.
The Blues were in full control at that point. Yet Real Madrid showcased why they have won the Champions League four times in the last decade on the half-hour mark. Video LoadingThomas Tuchel on Real Madrid, Timo Werner miss and adjusting tactics
A floated cross into the Chelsea box wasn’t dealt with and Karim Benzema displayed the ruthlessness Tuchel’s side lacked. The French forward controlled the ball on his head and rifled a volley beyond Edouard Mendy.
The second period was more cagey, less open. Chelsea managed the game well and Real were not able to register another shot on target.
That was despite the introduction of Hazard. The Belgian star, who spent seven years at Stamford Bridge during which he twice won the Premier League twice, played the final 24 minutes as he continued his recovery from a muscle injury.
There was a flash of Hazard’s quality when he played a cute through pass for Alvaro Odriozola but his involvement was limited as Chelsea proved they’ve greatly matured under Tuchel.
The second leg between the sides will be played at Stamford Bridge next Wednesday. Having scored an away goal, Chelsea will go into the contest favourites to progress.
“They have good players. I know all of them, almost, so I’m not surprised,” Hazard explained when asked by CBS Sports whether he expected Tuchel’s side to cause Real Madrid problems.
“They have good players, they can play football. But we knew it, we prepared the game for that. And I think with a bit more luck, we could have scored more goals, but them as well.
“We have big players on the team and big players can always produce something. So we have the mentality to win everything. So like I said just before now we have another game, second leg over there. We’ll have to push to win the game.”
