First modification:
The two teams took the victory with (2-0 and 1-0) in the second day of the quarterfinals of the Champions League this Wednesday. They start as favorites for the return matches to be played next week.
Real Madrid dominated Chelsea (2-0), with a new goal from Karim Benzema, and AC Milan took a small advantage over Napoli (1-0), this Wednesday, April 12, in the quarterfinals of the Champions League.
The merengue team feels comfortable in the Champions League, like in its natural habitat. Surprised this weekend at home by Villarreal in the Spanish League (3-2), the current European champion emerged victorious from the duels against the last two winners of the tournament.
Benzema opened the account in the 22nd minute. Then Marco Asensio doubled the bet in the 77th minute.
But both goals were inspired by Vinicius. A badly repelled shot by goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga left the ball served to the Frenchman. And then, with a great feint, he managed a pass that found the Spaniard’s feet.
The Blues had two great chances in the first half, which were diluted by the quick reaction of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. Then they suffered the ‘Real law’, especially after the expulsion of Ben Chilwell for a foul on Rodrygo in the 57th minute.
Chelsea have gone five games without winning in all competitions. The addition of the fourth coach of the season, Franck Lampard – after Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter and the interim Bruno Saltor – has not made any big changes. Now only Tuesday’s second leg remains to salvage the season for the club bought by American billionaire Todd Boehly.
AC Milan, another winner
Milan took a less clear advantage. However, they beat Napoli thanks to a powerful goal from Ismaël Bennacer in the 40th minute.
The ‘rossoneri’ could have conceded the opening goal on several occasions, but France goalkeeper Mike Maignan made splendid saves early in the game.
Napoli, the broad leader of Serie A, lost the inspiration of their top scorer, the injured Nigerian Victor Osimhen, and was left with ten players after the exclusion of the Cameroonian Frank Zambo-Anguissa for two yellow cards in four minutes (in the 70th, and then in 74).
But Napoli can still turn things around for their first appearance in the Champions League quarterfinals.
On Tuesday, Manchester City thrashed Bayern Munich (3-0) and Inter Milan beat Benfica Lisbon (2-0).
This article was adapted from its original in French.
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