Real Madrid is through after surviving and coming back from a one-goal deficit twice as their star player Karim Benzema's game-winning goal sent them to the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League.

Real Madrid concede early

Eight minutes into the first half we had yet to see a shot on goal but then Real Madrid earned a free-kick and unfortunately, Karim Benzema shot sailed over the net and out.

Chelsea opened the scoring in the 15th minute as Mason Mount got a great pass from Timo Werner and managed to beat Thibaut Courtois to reduce Madrid's lead to 3-2 on aggregate.

The visitors seemed to have the momentum as they had another shot on goal but Courtois was able to make the save. Chelsea again was controlling the pace as they searched for the goal that could tie the game.

(Photo By Oscar J. Barroso/Europa Press via Getty Images)
(Photo By Oscar J. Barroso/Europa Press via Getty Images)

After 45 minutes Real Madrid went into the locker room down a goal in the game but one half away from the UEFA Champions League semifinals.

Real Madrid survives

Both teams were going at it early on in the second half with good chances on either side. Chelsea doubled their lead and tied the game on aggregate minute in the 51st minute as Antonio Rudiger headed in a ball past Courtois.

Toni Kroos had a great scoring opportunity off a free-kick but Edouard Mendy made his first big save of the game with a stunning diving save. Chelsea scored its third goal of the game in the 63rd minute as Marcos Alonso with a shot from close beat Courtois wide.

The goal went under review by VAR and upon further review, it was deemed there was a handball on the play and the goal was reversed. Benzema moments later had another big opportunity but his header went off the crossbar and stayed out.

(Photo By Oscar J. Barroso/Europa Press via Getty Images)
(Photo By Oscar J. Barroso/Europa Press via Getty Images)

Carlo Ancelotti made his first change of the game in the 74th minute bringing in Camavinga for Kroos. Werner gave Chelsea its third goal a minute later off a weird bounce as the ball rolled into the net and Chelsea now had the 4-3 lead on aggregate. 

Ancelotti made two more changes bringing on Marcelo and Rodrygo for Ferland Mendy and Casemiro hoping to add some experience to the backline while bringing in some offense.

The move seemed to work as Real Madrid finally scored when Rodrygo managed to volley a cross from Luka Modric into the back of the net and it was level once again.

(Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
(Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

 

Modric tested Mendy minutes later once again but the Chelsea keeper made another diving save to keep the ball out. Lucas Vasquez came in as he was subbed on in the 88th minute for Nacho who replaced Eder Militao who was out due to suspension.

Four minutes were added to the 90 but it wasn't enough as extra time was needed to determine the winner.

Benzema scored in the 96th minute to give Real Madrid the go-ahead goal and the potential game-winner as he headed in a sublime cross from Vinicius Jr.

(Photo by DAX Images/BSR Agency/Getty Images)
(Photo by DAX Images/BSR Agency/Getty Images)

Chelsea had another scoring opportunity a couple of minutes later but Courtois once again was able to make a key save. After 15 minutes of extra time, the home side had the lead and was 15 minutes away from a huge win and advancing.

It was back and forth for most of the second part of extra time as both clubs attacked each other hard and it was becoming a very physical game. 

Courtois made another game-saving save late in the game as Real Madrid made another change bringing in Dani Ceballos for Vinicius Jr in the 115th minute.

(Photo by DAX Images/BSR Agency/Getty Images)
(Photo by DAX Images/BSR Agency/Getty Images)

After three minutes of injury time, the final whistle blew and Real Madrid had survived a scare to advance to the UEFA Champions League semifinal.

Real Madrid will face the winner of the quarterfinal between Manchester City and Atletico Madrid.

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