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    ‘What a night!’ – Real Madrid heroes hailed as ‘IMMORTAL’ after rising from the dead in thrilling Chelsea comeback

    REAL MADRID stars have been hailed as “immortal” after scraping past Chelsea into the Champions League semi-finals.The LaLiga leaders went into last night’s match in a dominant position after their 3-1 first-leg win at Stamford Bridge.
    Real Madrid were labelled ‘immortal’ for their efforts
    Marca hailed Madrid and Villarreal’s efforts
    Sport also marked Madrid’s effort on their front page
    But Thomas Tuchel’s side came roaring back to lead the tie 4-3 courtesy of goals by Mason Mount, Antonio Rudiger and Timo Werner.
    Rodrygo’s late volley took it to extra time, before Karim Benzema headed past Edouard Mendy to send Madrid through.
    Carlo Ancelotti’s side have been roundly praised for their resilience by the Spanish morning papers.
    AS labelled them “immortal” for their comeback.
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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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.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;}Blues KNOCKED OUT of Champions League, De Ligt fee REVEALED- takeover updates
    While Marca led with the line: “What a night, what delirium!”
    Madrid partied inside their dressing room following the narrow escape, with David Alaba dancing in delight.
    The Austrian didn’t appear too upset by his Antonio Rudiger snub, the German having yelled in frustration as Alaba tried to console him.
    Karim Benzema will have tucked Reece James’ shirt away amid the celebrations, having asked the Chelsea star to swap at the end of the game.
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    Fans were left purring by some pieces of skill last night, with Luka Modric’s outside of the foot assist and Thibaut Courtois’ cool moment particularly catching the eye.
    Tuchel wasn’t so delighted, however, despite his side’s strong performance.
    The German fumed at the referee “having a good time with Carlo” after the game.
    Upset by the decision to disallow Marcos Alonso’s goal, he then blasted: “I’m very disappointed the referee didn’t go and check it himself.
    “That’s what it’s like when you play Real Madrid in the Champions League.”
    Real Madrid will play the winner of tonight’s clash between Manchester City and Atletico in the final four.
    Real Madrid celebrate their triumphCredit: Rex More

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    Inside Real Madrid’s dressing room celebrations as Alaba leads party with wacky dancing after epic win over Chelsea

    REAL MADRID defender David Alaba showed off some wacky dance moves after helping the Spaniards dump Chelsea out of the Champions League. There was quite the party in the Bernabeu home dressing room after Karim Benzema’s extra-time header saw Real qualify for the semi-finals.
    David Alaba celebrated Real Madrid’s win with a dressing room danceCredit: Twitter @realmadriden
    The defender jigged along to music in the home dressing roomCredit: Twitter @realmadriden
    Alaba’s dancing had Karim Benzema in fits of laughterCredit: Twitter @realmadriden
    Goals from Mason Mount, Antonio Rudiger and Timo Werner had initially seen Chelsea overturn a 3-1 deficit to lead 4-3 on aggregate, before the hosts came back to win the tie 5-4.
    It sparked joyous scenes in the Real Madrid dressing room after the game, with Alaba the man leading the celebrations.
    The 29-year-old was filmed busting out the dance moves by the club’s official Twitter account.
    Members of the squad clapped along as Alaba wiggled his body to the beat of the music that was blaring out of the dressing room speakers.
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    At one point he waved his arms madly in the air, causing Karim Benzema to burst out laughing at his wacky moves.
    Midfield maestro Luka Modric also couldn’t help but giggle after seeing Alaba dancing.
    Alaba played every single minute in both legs of the quarter-final tie against Chelsea.
    The defender has been integral to Real Madrid’s success this campaign following his free transfer from Bayern Munich last summer.
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    And while he failed to put a foot wrong on the pitch, his dance moves might require a bit of work.
    Carlo Ancelotti’s side will now face the winners of tonight’s tie between Atletico Madrid and Manchester City for a place in the Champions League final. More

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    Man Utd legend Rio Ferdinand ‘lost his voice’ in BT Sport studio after Luka Modric’s ‘ILLEGAL’ assist against Chelsea

    LUKA MODRIC proved age is just a number with another stunning Champions League performance for Real Madrid against Chelsea, capped off by an outrageous assist.The 36-year-old veteran played a ball so good to set up Rodrygo to score it caused Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand to “lose his voice”.
    Luka Modric left jaws on the floor with an outrageous assist against ChelseaCredit: BT SPORT
    Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand “lost his voice” after seeing Modric’s passCredit: BT SPORT
    Goals from Mason Mount, Antonio Rudiger and Timo Werner on Tuesday had initially seen Chelsea stun Madrid to lead 3-0 on the night, and 4-3 on aggregate.
    But then Modric helped force extra time with what will go down as one of the greatest assists in Champions League history.
    A pinpoint cross from the left touchline with the outside of his right boot allowed Rodyrgo to volley into the back of the net and level things up on aggregate.
    The pass was so good it left Ferdinand “screaming”, with the former defender telling BT Sport: “This pass from Luka Modric is why I lost my voice today!
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    “That’s illegal, that. 
    “I was screaming, Luka, Muka, whatever his name was. Phenomenal.”
    An expert Karim Benzema header in extra time, to follow-up his hat-trick in the first leg, saw Real Madrid progress to the semi-finals 5-4 on aggregate after an incredible clash at the Bernabeu.
    It was a 38th goal of the season for Benzema, and only backed up claims from Ferdinand last week that the striker should be favourite to win the Ballon d’Or this year.
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    Modric is the only man since 2008 to deny either Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo the prestigious gong.
    But if Benzema leads Real Madrid to a 14th Champions League title next month, Ferdinand’s prediction may well prove to be true. More

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    Chelsea and Man City fans brawl on streets of Madrid in shocking scenes before Champions League ties

    CHELSEA and Manchester City yobs had to be separated by riot police as they fought in Madrid.The shocking scenes unfolded in Plaza Mayor square in the Spanish capital on Tuesday.
    Chelsea and Manchester City fans started fighting in Plaza MayorCredit: Newsflare
    Riot police were quickly on the scene to break up the fracasCredit: Newsflare
    The police used batons and force to push the group of City fans backCredit: Newsflare
    A total of 8,000 supporters were expected to travel from England to Spain to watch the Champions League quarter-final showdowns.
    Chelsea faced Real Madrid in the Bernabeu on Tuesday, 24 hours before City’s second leg at Atletico’s Wanda Metropolitano.
    And video footage posted on social media showed rival followers confronting one another, shouting and chanting.
    Then things spilt over as punches were thrown and drinks flew before the notoriously heavy-handed Madrid police rushed in with batons and shields to restore order.
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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;}REAL 2 CHELSEA 3 (5-4 AGG) .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;}Blues heartbroken as Benzema’s extra-time strike seals semi spot
    Blues supporters were left heartbroken as they saw their team’s valiant effort ultimately fall just short.
    Chelsea led 3-0 in the Bernabeu and were going through 4-3 on aggregate.
    But Rodrygo forced extra time and that man Karim Benzema headed in the winner to put Los Blancos into the semis.
    There, they will face either City or Atletico.
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    Kevin de Bruyne grabbed the only goal of the first leg in Manchester meaning it is finely-poised heading to the Wanda tomorrow night.
    City know a draw will be enough to take them through in a partially-closed stadium after Uefa charged Atletico for fans’ “discriminatory behaviour” at the Etihad last week.
    However, Atletico have NEVER lost a Champions League tie when losing the first leg away from home by one goal.
    Chelsea fans were in fine voice in Madrid’s Plaza MayorCredit: PA
    There was a heavy police presence keeping order between rival supportersCredit: PA More

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    Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema asks Reece James to swap shirts in show of respect for Chelsea defender’s performance

    KARIM BENZEMA asked for Reece James’ shirt after Real Madrid’s rollercoaster Champions League win over Chelsea.Just like the first leg last week, it was the veteran French striker who stole the headlines again.
    Karim Benzema left Reece James and Chelsea heartbroken at Real MadridCredit: Getty
    The striker asked to swap shirts with Reece James after the Champions League thrillerCredit: AP

    The 34-year-old produced a brilliant hat-trick at Stamford Bridge six days ago to earn a 3-1 first leg victory.
    But Chelsea were in no mood to go down quietly at the Bernabeu as they almost completed Mission Impossible.
    They raced into a 3-0 lead to go ahead in the tie on a stunning night of action in the Spanish capital.
    But Madrid substitute Rodrygo rescued his side late on to send the game to extra-time.
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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 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 FOOTBALL.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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.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;}Blues KNOCKED OUT of Champions League, Pagliuca BREAKS silence on takeover plans
    And unfortunately for James and Chelsea the drama was not over as Benzema headed home six minutes into it to win it 5-4 on aggregate.
    England full-back James, despite being booked early, was Chelsea’s star performer throughout the second leg.
    And he even produced a superb cross for the unmarked Kai Havertz right at the death only for his team-mate to flash a header wide.
    Even though the wing-back will be desperately disappointed to be out of the Champions League, he did manage to go home with one treasured souvenir.
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    But it was not him asking for it.
    As jubilant scenes greeted the final whistle from home supporters and their side, the matchwinner only had eyes for one thing… James’ shirt.
    Benzema walked over to the 22-year-old and handed him his jersey in what appeared to be a sign of respect.
    And he managed to get James’ in return as the star seemingly earned the hotshot forward’s respect from the clash. More

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    Watch ice-cool Thibaut Courtois send Chelsea’s Kai Havertz ‘back to Leverkusen’ with crazy extra-time Cruyff turn

    ICE-COOL Thibaut Courtois sent Chelsea’s Kai Havertz “back to Bayer Leverksen” with a risky extra-time Johan Cruyff turn. The former Chelsea keeper let in three goals in the Champions League quarter-final second leg.

    Courtois sent Havertz ‘back to Leverkusen’Credit: REUTERS
    But goals by Rodrygo and Karim Benzema were enough to win the tie 5-4, knocking out the defending European champions.
    Keeper Courtois, who happens to be a former Chelsea player, produced one of the moments of the match.
    With Real leading 5-4 on aggregate in the 109th minute, Courtois was the coolest man inside the Bernabeu as he pulled off a Cruyff turn to embarrass Havertz, who was closing him down.
    One footy fan said on Twitter: “Courtois sent Kai Havertz back to Leverkusen.”
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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 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 on 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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.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;}GO ON, MASON .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;}Mount THIRD Englishman to score at Bernebeu… and you’ll NEVER get other two
    Another said: “Courtois… my heart dropped.”
    It was looking like it might be Chelsea’s night up until the 80th minute.
    Goals by Mason Mount, Antonio Rudiger and Timo Werner looked like it had secured the unlikeliest of comebacks away from home.
    But Rodrygo’s goal ten minutes from time, finishing well from Luka Modric’s wonder pass forced the game into extra-time.
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    Main man Benzema then struck six minutes after the restart to crush Chelsea’s hearts.
    Thomas Tuchel’s men will feel hard done by, after seeing Marcos Alonso’s goal in normal time chalked off for handball.
    The ball bounced off the Real defender and up onto Alonso’s thigh but slightly brushed his hand before he powered the ball into the top right corner. More

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    Mason Mount becomes just third Englishman to score Champions League goal at Bernabeu in Chelsea thriller vs Real Madrid

    MASON MOUNT became just the THIRD English star to score an away Champions League goal at the Bernabeu on Tuesday night.The Blues went into their quarter-final second leg needing a minor miracle to progress – and very nearly achieved it.
    That’s the perfect start for Chelsea! 🔥A fortunate way through for Mason Mount, but there was nothing fortunate about the finish… 🎯We’re down to a one-goal deficit! #UCL pic.twitter.com/O5uMYZlGTE— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) April 12, 2022

    Mason Mount became only the third Englishman to score at the Bernabeu in the Champions League on Wednesday nightCredit: Reuters
    Danny Welbeck scored for Man Utd at the Bernabeu in 2013Credit: AFP
    Alan Smith became the first Englishman to score at the Bernabeu in the Champions League after his 2001 goalCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    Thomas Tuchel’s side went 3-0 up in the Spanish capital after losing the first-leg 3-1 at Stamford Bridge.
    And their incredible early comeback was kickstarted by Mason Mount – who joins a short list of English players to net at the Bernabeu.
    The England midfielder, 23, was slightly fortunate to find the ball at his feet just 16 yards out.
    But he made no mistake with the finish as he smashed the ball past Thibaut Courtois to make it 1-0.
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    In scoring, Mount became only the third Englishman to find the net in an away Champions League game at the Bernabeu.
    Only Alan Smith for Leeds in 2001 and Danny Welbeck for Manchester United in 2013 had managed the feat until the Chelsea star’s rocket.
    But unfortunately for Mount – much like Welbeck and Smith’s strikes – his goal was ultimately in vain after Real Madrid launched a late comeback of their own.
    After Mount’s goal, Antonio Rudiger made it 2-0 before Timo Werner truly made Chelsea believe with his goal.
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    In fact, Chelsea were unfortunate to not be 4-0 up after Marcos Alonso cruelly – and controversially – saw his strike ruled out by VAR.
    Somehow 4-3 down on aggregate, Carlo Ancelotti made a host of bold substitutions in a bid to keep his side’s Champions League campaign alive – including the introduction of Rodrygo for Casemiro.
    It paid off immediately as Luka Modric floated in a magical, outside-of-the-foot cross to tee up the Brazilian for a thumping, close-range volley to send the game into extra-time.
    And just six minutes into the additional half an hour, Karim Benzema continued his red-hot form as he nodded home following a costly Rudiger slip.
    The goal made it 5-4 to Real on aggregate and sent Los Blancos on their way to the Champions League semi-finals. More

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    Ruben Loftus-Cheek might be making a late World Cup run into England’s squad with his Chelsea performances

    ENGLAND’S forgotten man for four years, Ruben Loftus-Cheek might just be timing a late World Cup run to perfection.And you can bet he’s one of the few buzzing that it’s this winter rather than next summer.
    Ruben Loftus-Cheek is making his mark back in the Chelsea team and was trusted at the BernabeuCredit: AP
    The midfielder may well be in Gareth Southgate’s thoughts ahead of the World CupCredit: EPA
    Chances are that he would not make it if it was in July.
    Yet what we do know is that Gareth Southgate was a massive fan.
    And certainly on tonight’s evidence, it would come as no surprise if the England boss had again started pencilling his name on a couple of lists here and there.
    There is plenty more work to do if Loftus-Cheek, 26, is to force his way on to the plane for Qatar.
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    But with seven months to go, time is on his side — and his form is undoubtedly now heading in the right direction.
    Handed three starts at the 2018 World Cup, the smart money back then was on Loftus-Cheek being one of the first names on the teamsheet in Qatar.
    Crippling injuries and a painfully slow recovery to reach those heights again soon put paid to that.
    When on loan at relegated Fulham last season, England couldn’t have been further from the radar. Forget the Three Lions, you wondered if he would ever play for Chelsea again.
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    So, nearly 12 months on, it’s been a hell of a turnaround.
    That Tuchel trusted Loftus-Cheek on the biggest stage of all – surely to the surprise of even his biggest admirers – says it all.
    Was it perfect? Absolutely not.
    But playing in an unnatural hybrid role out on the right, in the hostile Bernabeu cauldron, Loftus-Cheek proved beyond doubt that he is back for good.
    While the rest of Chelsea’s starters are well established in environments like this after last season’s heroics, Loftus-Cheek is not there yet.
    A week before his team-mates were lifting the Champions League in Porto, on loan at Fulham, he was hauled off at half-time with the Cottagers losing their last game of the season.
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    However, Tuchel is clearly a believer, with tonight his 30th appearance of the season.
    There have been ups and downs during the campaign, but this should prove a watershed moment in his Blues career.
    Playing in down the right – sometimes full-back, sometimes centre mid, sometimes flying winger – it was a shaky start.
    Passes went awry, promising situations were fluffed and, frankly, Loftus-Cheek looked a little lost.
    Thomas Tuchel barely stopped barking and gesticulating in his direction.
    But on this sink or swim night, Loftus-Cheek refused to go under.
    ‘CRUCIAL ROLE’
    Nearer to the left than right flank for the Blues’ opener, it was his – slightly heavy, granted – touch to Timo Werner before Mason Mount was played in.
    His run infield created the extra man and Mount was in in a flash.
    Loftus-Cheek settled from there, playing a crucial role in defence and attack as the Blues raced into a 3-0 lead.
    It didn’t all go his way – this was no worldie performance.
    But his athleticism and physicality give Chelsea a different engine in the middle of the park, and Tuchel’s plan to move him central nullified Luka Modric and Toni Kroos for large parts.
    When Loftus-Cheek watches it back, there will be moments going forward that he will know he could have done better when delivering the cross or final pass.
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    Tactical flexibility and the ability to play across a number of positions don’t help everyone, but it could be the key to his winter.
    Hit the ground running next season and there could be a fair few more chapters of his England story to write yet.
    Loftus-Cheek struggled in the early parts and Tuchel was constantly barking orders at himCredit: Getty
    Last season he was struggling on loan at Fulham but now he is starting in crunch Blues matchesCredit: Getty More