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    Do away goals count double in the Champions League? All about Uefa’s new rules

    GET ready for more drama with the Champions League and Europa League reaching the closing stages.Chelsea lifted last year’s CL trophy after seeing off Man City in an all-Premier League final – and the Blues begin their title defence against Zenit on September 14.
    Chelsea won the Champions League after a tense clash with Man CityCredit: Getty
    Eric-Maxim Choupo Moting scored for Bayern Munich in their tie with PSG last season to make it 3-3 but Bayern could be the last team ever knocked out on away goalsCredit: Getty
    But this season there are BIG changes to how teams can go through in knockout stages of games.
    Do away goals count in Champions League and Europa League matches?
    Away goals have been a feature of European knockout games since 1965.
    But this campaign things are going to be different.
    After years of speculation, Uefa have finally decided to scrap the away goals rule this season in both Champions League and Europa League knockout games over two-legs.
    As such, a tied aggregate score will now be the determining factor in sending a tie into extra-time.
    Should the scores still be level after the extra 30 minutes, we go to penalties.
    The law previously gave a significant advantage to sides who hit the back of the net on the road, but drew criticism from many fans.
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    Uefa President Aleksander Ceferin explained the decision: “The away goals rule has been an intrinsic part of Uefa competitions since it was introduced in 1965. However, the question of its abolition has been debated at various Uefa meetings over the last few years.
    “Although there was no unanimity of views, many coaches, fans and other football stakeholders have questioned its fairness and have expressed a preference for the rule to be abolished.
    “The impact of the rule now runs counter to its original purpose as, in fact, it now dissuades home teams – especially in first legs – from attacking, because they fear conceding a goal that would give their opponents a crucial advantage.

    “There is also criticism of the unfairness, especially in extra time, of obliging the home team to score twice when the away team has scored.
    “It is fair to say that home advantage is nowadays no longer as significant as it once was.
    “Taking into consideration the consistency across Europe in terms of styles of play, and many different factors which have led to a decline in home advantage, the Uefa Executive Committee has taken the correct decision in adopting the view that it is no longer appropriate for an away goal to carry more weight than one scored at home.”
    It means Bayern Munich could be the last team ever knocked out of the Champions League on away goals when they drew 3-3 on aggregate with Paris Saint-Germain last season.
    PSG won the first leg 3-2 and Bayern edged them 1-0 in the second but were knocked out due to the now defunct rule.
    Are there extra time and penalties in the Champions League and Europa League if scores are tied?
    Yes. If the aggregate scores are level after two 90-minute games, the match goes to extra time in the second leg.
    If the scores are level at the end of extra time then we will have penalty kicks to decide the winner. More

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    Real Madrid vs Chelsea: Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time and team news for Champions League quarter-final

    CHELSEA head to Real Madrid looking to pull off a miracle comeback to advance to the semi-final.The Blues were on the receiving end of a brilliant Karim Benzema hat-trick last week as Real Madrid picked up a 3-1 win to take a big step towards earning revenge for defeat in last season’s semi-final.
    Karim Benzema netted a brilliant hat-trick in the first legCredit: Getty
    Chelsea won 6-0 at Southampton on SaturdayCredit: Getty
    But Chelsea did bounce back with a 6-0 hammering of Southampton at St Mary’s over the weekend, so they will head to the Spanish capital in goalscoring mood.
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    What time does Real Madrid vs Chelsea kick off?

    Real Madrid vs Chelsea takes place on Tuesday, April 12.
    The match kicks off at 8pm UK time – 9pm local time.
    It takes place at the Santiago Bernabeu.
    Chelsea have never played at the Bernabeu before, but earned a 1-1 draw at Real Madrid’s reserve ground – the Estadio Alfredo di Stefano – a year ago.

    What TV channel is Real Madrid vs Chelsea on and can I live stream it?

    Real Madrid vs Chelsea is live on BT Sport 2.
    Coverage commences at 7pm – one hour before kick-off.
    To stream the game live, head to the BT Sport website/app.

    Team news
    Real Madrid are without centre-back Eder Militao, who is suspended following an accumulation of yellow cards.
    Eden Hazard will not face his former club as he is out injured, along with Luka Jovic.
    Ferland Mendy, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric were all rested at the weekend and should be raring to go against the Blues.
    Chelsea stars Ben Chilwell and Callum Hudson-Odoi are definitely out for this game.
    Romelu Lukaku will also miss out with achilles pain.
    But captain Cesar Azpilicueta is set to return after testing negative for Covid.
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    Latest odds
    To win in 90 minutes
    Real Madrid 7/5
    Draw 12/5
    Chelsea 15/8
    To qualify
    Real Madrid 1/14
    Chelsea 7/1
    *Odds from Betfair correct as of Monday, April 11 More

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    Courtois asked Real Madrid captain Benzema to switch ends vs Chelsea so he could face boo boys from the start of match

    THIBAUT COURTOIS has not forgotten his messy Chelsea exit, and the keeper knew Chelsea fans wouldn’t have either. So much so the Real Madrid man reportedly asked skipper Karim Benzema to switch ends for the start of the Champions League clash between the two sides last week.
    Courtois was keen to face the Chelsea boo boys in the first halfCredit: Getty
    The Real Madrid keeper asked his captain Benzema to switch ends so he could relax during the second halfCredit: AFP
    The 29-year-old was desperate to play in front of the most hostile Chelsea fans in the Matthew Harding Stand for the first 45 minutes, according to The Athletic.
    That meant he could put his feet up and relax after the break in front of the away fans at the other end of the pitch.
    Chelsea fans have not forgiven Courtois for the way he forced a move from the club in 2018, and the keeper wanted to get the boos out of the way early doors.
    As a former Chelsea player, he also knew the Blues prefer to attack The Matthew Harding Stand in the second half.
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CHELSEA.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-1exhbll{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou 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    So he told Benzema to get the home side to play that way in the opening 45 minutes if he won the pre-match coin toss.
    Courtois got his wish and unsurprisingly was loudly booed as he made his way to the goal in front of the angry Chelsea supporters.
    Jeers rang out around the Bridge every time he touched the ball, and there was even a chorus of: “Thibaut you’re a c***!”
    But his plan did the trick, as the visitors ran out 3-1 winners in the quarter-final first leg thanks to a stunning Benzema hat-trick.
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    The scoreline could have been closer but for Courtois expertly denying Cesar Azpilicueta and Reece James in the second half, after he had got away from the Chelsea fans.
    The Belgian stopper forced a move to Real Madrid back in 2018 after seven years and 154 appearances for Chelsea.
    Reports at the time even suggested he went on strike and didn’t turn up to training in a bid to push through a move to Spain.
    And it’s safe to say Blues fans have not forgotten the circumstances surrounding his departure. More

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    Man Utd sent scouts to watch Arnaut Danjuma score winner for Villarreal in Champions League upset against Bayern Munich

    MANCHESTER UNITED sent scouts to watch Villarreal’s former Bournemouth wide man Arnaut Danjuma this week.The Dutchman scored the only goal of the game as his team secured a surprise 1-0 win over Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.
    Arnaut Danjuma celebrates scoring against Bayern MunichCredit: Reuters
    Danjuma spent two years with the Cherries after joining from Club Brugge in 2019.
    He received his first taste of Premier League football under Eddie Howe two seasons ago but struggled to make an impact during an injury-ravaged campaign.
    The 25-year-old failed to register a goal or an assist in 14 Prem outings during the 2019-20 season, but fared much better in the Championship following his side’s relegation.
    Danjuma scored 17 goals in 37 appearances last term, as Bournemouth fell to Brentford in the play-off semi finals.
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United.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-1exhbll{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou 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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}VILLARREAL 1 BAYERN 0 .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Ex-Bournemouth ace Danjuma strikes as Emery’s side stun Germans
    His superb season attracted the interest of Unai Emery’s Villarreal, who shelled out £21.3million to sign him last August.
    The Netherlands international has flourished in Spain, scoring 14 goals in 29 outings – including against Bayern on Wednesday night.
    His goals tally this season also includes European strikes against Juventus, Atalanta and Young Boys – as well as LaLiga efforts against the likes of Atletico Madrid among others.
    Man United are expected to appoint Erik ten Hag as their new manager ahead of next season.
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    The Dutchman will be able to make new signings, with his compatriot an option.
    SunSport revealed that Ten Hag would like to bring Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves to Old Trafford.
    But boss Bruno Lage has warned that the Portuguese ace won’t come cheap.
    Man United are interested in signing Ruben NevesCredit: Reuters More

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    Atletico Madrid are joyless, negative and soul-sapping and football lovers MUST be praying Man City beat them

    ANYONE who really loves football must be praying for Manchester City to prevail in next week’s Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid.For it is hard to think of a more joyless, negative and downright soul-sapping team than the Spanish champions.
    Diego Simeone fielded an incredibly defensive starting XI against Man City in midweekCredit: Getty
    Atletico played joyless, soul-sapping footballCredit: Rex
    Their utter lack of ambition in the first leg of their quarter-final tie at the Etihad the other night was an affront to a competition which is supposed to be the pinnacle of club football.
    They set up in a 5-5-0 formation, didn’t have a single shot and made no attempt to hide their intention of frustrating City at every turn.
    Back in the day, ex-Stoke boss Alan Durban infamously sneered: “If you want entertainment, you should go to the  circus and watch a bunch of clowns.”
    He would have loved Diego Simeone, the Atletico coach who revels in his role as pantomime villain.
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Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Read More in 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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Man City 1 Atletico 0 .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}De Bruyne breaks Atleti’s resistance after touch of class from Foden
    For it seems that nothing gives Simeone more pleasure than upsetting the purists with his soccer cynicism.
    Doubtless there will be some people who found Tuesday’s clash of cultures to be a fascinating tactical battle between two coaching grandmasters.
    So, yes, there is more than one way to skin a cat. And who is to say that Pep Guardiola’s philosophy is any more effective than Simeone’s?
    His approach clearly works, as proved by the fact that they won LaLiga last year and have knocked AC Milan, Porto and Manchester United out of this season’s Champions League.
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    Now they are looking to extend their run by overturning a 1-0 deficit against City at the Wanda Metropolitano on Wednesday.
    But they will have to cross the halfway line if they’re going to achieve that ambition. And that’s a risk which clearly terrifies Simeone if this week’s game was anything to go by.
    Atletico’s approach was the polar opposite of their neighbours Real, who now have one foot in the semis after ripping Chelsea apart with their bold attacking play.
    Wednesday’s game at Stamford Bridge was everything the Champions League is supposed to be about, a celebration of the world’s finest players going toe-to-toe.
    The previous evening at the Etihad, it was simply one team trying to engage with the paying audience and the other looking to suck the very life out of proceedings.
    In some ways, it’s difficult not to have a degree of grudging admiration for someone so cussedly awkward as Simeone.
    But he has taken his anti-football to unacceptable levels and for the good of the game City need to deliver his comeuppance next week.

    No trust for Tino
    FIFA has taken the highly unusual step of issuing an official statement to deny rumours matches at this year’s World Cup finals will last 100 minutes.
    It was Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport who reported Fifa chairman Gianni Infantino was looking to extend games because the ball spends so long out of play.
    And clearly that touched a nerve, as the game’s governing body doesn’t usually react so swiftly to these stories.
    But that suggestion only gained traction as, with this lot, absolutely nothing can be ruled out.
    So when Infantino pretends there were never any plans to stage the World Cup every two years, all of football is sceptical.
    Particularly when he then floats the idea of holding it every three years.
    So please excuse our suspicious minds. Because some people in charge at Fifa can’t be trusted as far as they can be thrown.
    Gianni Infantino isn’t changing the length of World Cup games… yetCredit: Getty
    Can this Dan ban
    IT has been suggested that Wimbledon plan to ban Daniil Medvedev unless he denounces Vladimir Putin and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
    I have no problem with barring all Russians from competing in international sport because we need to drive the message home to Moscow that they are the pariahs of the world.
    But it is wrong to put pressure on individual athletes to make political statements which could jeopardise their family and friends back home.
    Medvedev might well be appalled by the behaviour of his country’s government, just as many Brits are disgusted with ours.
    The difference is that no one is going to be drinking polonium tea if they have a pop at Boris.
    Daniil Medvedev shouldn’t have to put his family at risk to play at WimbledonCredit: AP
    Not exactly subtle
    YORKSHIRE CCC are looking to draw a veil over their racism issues by signing a sponsorship deal with an Indian firm called Clean Slate.
    Have you seen what they’ve done there? Subtle as a flying brick.
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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}’ANIMAL’ .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Sabina’s parents blast killer as ‘ANIMAL’ as he cowers in cell afraid to face them
    Cashing out
    ROMAN ABRAMOVICH has apparently been tapping up his Hollywood mates for a loan to help him pay his staff while he is under sanctions due to his ties to Vladimir Putin.
    If only Chelsea’s Russian owner knew a whole bunch of young multi-millionaires with access to ready cash to tide him over. More

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    Karim Benzema snubs every Chelsea player and gives shirt to Man Utd legend instead after Real Madrid win

    KARIM BENZEMA did not swap shirts with any of his Chelsea victims – and instead gave his special top to a Manchester United legend.The Real Madrid striker was at his absolute peak once again at Stamford Bridge last night.
    Karim Benzema was in red-hot form in the iconic white shirt of Real MadridCredit: Getty
    Benzema scored two incredible headers in the first halfCredit: Reuters
    His two superb headers were backed up with a gift of a third immediately after half-time.
    That took his tally to a whopping six goals within less than 90 minutes of Champions League football – and put one Los Blancos foot into the semi-finals.
    But after being subbed off for Gareth Bale late on, he did not exchange jerseys with any Blues stars after the full-time whistle.
    Benzema did his media duties on the pitch and then spotted close pal and former France team-mate Patrice Evra.
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    Evra was there on TV punditry duties and was delighted to see the hat-trick hero.
    And as Benzema collected the match ball and the man-of-the-match award, he did not return to Madrid with his shirt.
    That is because he handed it over to Evra to keep.
    Evra shared a photo of the pair holding up the famous white shirt complete with “Benzema 9″ behind the scenes at Stamford Bridge.
    Benzema handed his shirt from a special night over to Patrice EvraCredit: Twitter / @Evra
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    The former Red Devils and Les Bleus left-back wrote: “Thank you bro – best number 9 in the world. Hala Madrid.”
    Incredibly, Benzema had been fasting all day for Ramadan – although may have broken the fast at sunset at 7.47pm, 13 minutes before kick-off.
    And the striker had a brief moment of panic as he tried to enter the stadium.
    Benzema had misplaced his pass to get into the ground and boss Carlo Ancelotti joked he would be dropped if he could not find it.
    Thankfully for everyone at Real Madrid – and Evra – the vintage veteran made his way in and caused havoc on the pitch.
    Benzema and Evra were delighted to see each other at Stamford BridgeCredit: Twitter / @realmadriden
    Evra congratulated his pal on his stunning performanceCredit: Twitter / @realmadriden More

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    ‘It can’t be worse than this’ – Christensen rips into Chelsea’s horror show against Real Madrid and demands quick fix

    ANDREAS CHRISTENSEN still believes Chelsea can save themselves in the Champions League – because they cannot get any worse than their first-leg horror show against Real Madrid.The Blues lost 3-1 at home to old boss Carlo Ancelotti’s Real on Wednesday night with Karim Benzema hitting a hat-trick.
    While Chelsea struggled all night with Madrid’s counter-attack, Christensen in particular had a torrid timeCredit: EPA
    The France striker had a night to remember at Stamford BridgeCredit: Mark Pain / Premium Sports Image
    Thomas Tuchel was left raging with the performance and declared the tie as over already because of how poorly his side are playing right now.
    But with the away-goals rule no longer in play, it is not beyond the realms of possibility that the reigning champions turn it around in the Bernabeu – if they play out of their skins.
    Defender Christensen, 25, said: “It’s two goals, it’s still going to be very difficult, but it can’t be worse than this.
    “We weren’t on top and we know that, but we have nothing to lose so we have to go there, put in a big performance and hopefully turn it around.”
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15px;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-16djrfc{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-1skzs3j{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The 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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}BLUES NEWS .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Roman Abramovich ‘begs Rush Hour director for money’ EXCLUSIVE
    Christensen had a night to forget as he was hooked at half-time after Benzema had netted twice with two fantastic headers.
    Kai Havertz had reduced the deficit just before the break but within 45 seconds of the second period, Benzema had his treble as he capitalised on a shocking pass from keeper Edouard Mendy.
    Chelsea built their phenomenal success under Tuchel last season on their defensive solidity, which took them all the way in Europe’s most prestigious club competition.
    But it has been a different story since the recent international break with the team conceding SEVEN at home in two matches, with Saturday’s 4-1 humiliation to Brentford preceding this collapse to Real.
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    Tuchel was left scratching his head as to why the sudden drop-off has occurred but refused to use the uncertainty regarding the club’s ownership as an excuse.
    He did point to the sheer amount of games the Club World Cup champions have played in 2022 as “worrying”, with Wednesday’s defeat their 21st fixture since the turn of the year.
    Perhaps the fact that two of the back three – Christensen and Antonio Rudiger – are currently out of contract in the summer is playing a factor.

    Or simply the loss of key left wing-back Ben Chilwell is hitting harder than previously.
    Whatever it is, Christensen knows the team need a quick fix if they are to get their season back on track.
    The Dane, who has been tipped for a summer switch to Barcelona, added: “We weren’t at our top level.
    “We started good for ten or 15 minutes, good energy with the crowd behind us – and they stayed behind us the whole game – but they successfully took the tempo out of the game.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}’ANIMAL’ .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Sabina’s parents blast killer as ‘ANIMAL’ as he cowers in cell afraid to face them
    “We have conceded seven goals now in two games which is not normal for us.
    “It’s not just about this game, we did it as well at the weekend. We have to fix it, and we have to do it quick.”
    The German cut a frustrated figure on the side for much of the eveningCredit: Getty More

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    N’Golo Kante sets unwanted Chelsea record against Real Madrid and damning stats show he was right to be hauled off

    N’GOLO KANTE was subbed off uninjured before the second half started for the very first time in his Chelsea career against Real Madrid.And the stats show Thomas Tuchel was right to hook off his struggling midfielder.
    N’Golo Kante struggled to have an impact against Real MadridCredit: Getty

    He managed just 45 ineffective minutes at Stamford Bridge as Los Blancos caused havoc.
    Tuchel explained it as a “tactical change” as he switched the shape to a back four for the second half.
    The diminutive Frenchman started alongside Jorginho in the middle of the park with Mason Mount ahead and ex-Madrid man Mateo Kovacic benched.
    But he managed just 21 touches across his 45-minute run-out, completing 15 of his 17 attempted passes.

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Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}READ MORE IN 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    Kante attempted one shot which was off target and made one key pass.
    But for a man who has built a huge part of his success on his tackling and winning the ball back for his team, he failed to deliver against the 13-time champions.
    Kante lost his only duel and didn’t make a single tackle or interception.
    He also lost possession three times and gave one free-kick away in a disappointing outing from the European and world champion.
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    The ex-Leicester star, out of contract next year, was a world away from his man-of-the-match performances as Chelsea saw off Real and Manchester City in the semi-final and final last season.
    By comparison, Kovacic – who came on at half-time – made 50 of his 55 passes while Ruben Loftus-Cheek completed 31 of 33 passes, won four of seven duels and made two successful tackles.
    Only four-touch Romelu Lukaku had less of an impact than Kante, with even Blues goalkeeper Edouard Mendy making the same number of passes.
    Albeit one underhit Mendy pass to Antonio Rudiger straight after half-time inadvertently set up Karim Benzema’s hat-trick goal and ensured the reigning Champions League winners have a mountain to climb to reach the last four. More