Real Madrid will face Chelsea for a place in the final in Istanbul after a 3-1 first leg win at Anfield.
Real Madrid drew with Liverpool at Anfield and sealed their place in the Champions League semifinals. The team did a solid defensive job and even had a good scoring chance in the first half, when Benzema’s cross was deflected onto the post by Kabak. Zidane’s side extended their unbeaten run to 14 games, building on a 3-1 first leg win to advance through and will face Chelsea for a place in the final in Istanbul on May 29.
The first half ended goalless, despite the chances both teams had. Liverpool were the first to go close, after two minutes, but Courtois beat Salah one-on-one. Nine minutes later, the goalkeeper made another tremendous save, this time crossing to keep out Milner’s curling effort from the edge of the box.
Real Madrid had a great chance after 20 minutes when Benzema stole the ball from Phillips, entered the box and turned Kabak, but his cross hit the hosts’ defender and bounced off the post. The last chance of the half fell to Wijnaldum, but his shot from inside the box went over the crossbar in the 42 minute.
Liverpool started the second half on the front foot, with Firmino forcing an inspired Courtois into an early save after a shot on the turn. In the 66′, Los Blancos came close to sealing the tie when a Valverde clearance set up Vinicius Jr. for Vinicius Jr. to slot into the goal, but the Brazilian did well to beat Alisson. As the minutes passed, Real Madrid defended their first leg advantage with great authority.
The visitors almost found the net in the 81st minute, when Militão’s cross found Benzema, but the striker’s header went over the crossbar. Zidane’s side held Liverpool at bay in the closing stages of the match and qualified for the 30th European Cup semifinal.
@alex-martinez Source: Real Madrid Oficial
