The Champions League is his kingdom. In the quarter-finals of the most beautiful of European competitions, Real Madrid did not tremble against a sick Chelsea in the league. It was Karim Benzema who opened the scoring in the 22nd minute before seeing Marco Asensio make the break fifteen minutes from the end (2-0). Two goals for which Vinicius is responsible: a poorly repelled strike by goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga which benefits the Frenchman, and a delicious pass with a feigned look for the Spanish winger.
The Blues had two big chances in the first half, brilliantly erased by Thibaut Courtois, then suffered the law of Real, especially after Ben Chilwell was sent off for a last-man foul on Rodrygo shortly before the hour mark We will have to do better next week at Stamford Bridge to hope to see the semi-finals and dream of a third cup with big ears, two years after the last.
The second part of the evening was an Italian duel, between AC Milan and Napoli, solid leaders of Serie A. The only achievement of the match is the work of Ismaël Bennacer, five minutes before the break (1-0) . The ‘Rossoneri’ could have conceded the opener several times, but France goalkeeper Mike Maignan had a great night and made some splendid saves early in the game.
He will finally have missed a man in Naples: Victor Osimhen, his injured top scorer. And after Frank Zambo-Anguissa was sent off for two yellow cards in four minutes (70th and 74th), the task was too difficult. But with a small goal behind, there is still hope.
The return matches will be played on Tuesday 18 April. Kick-off: 9 p.m.
