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UCL Semi Final : Key Talking Points As Wasteful Chelsea Draw At Real Madrid

Just as expected, the semi final match between Real Madrid and Chelsea served up to it’s billing.

Chelsea dominated in the early stages of the first half and took the lead in the 13th minute through a goal by Christian Pulisic after he was put through on goal by a wonderful pass from Antonio Rudiger,

The Blues created more chances afterwards and should have been leading with more than one goal before Karim Benzema equalized for Real Madrid after a cross from Marcelo was kept in play by a Casemiro header and Eder Militao flicked it on with his head to the Frenchman.

Zinedine Zidane made tactical changes in the second half and set up his team to sit deep and absolve Chelsea attacks while looking to break quickly on a counter attack, EKO HOT BLOG gathered.

Both sides were evenly matched in the second half and struggled to create clear cut chances.

Former Chelsea maverick Eden Hazard was introduced in the 65th minute in place of Vinicius Junior, he showed some glimpses of his quality but failed to have any influence in the match as he gradually builds himself back to full fitness.

Chelsea also brought on Kai Havertz, Hakim Ziyech and Reece James just before Hazard came in as they chased a late victory in the match but none of the sides could snatch victory leaving the tie balanced, the second leg will decide who progresses from this one.

Here we take a look at some observations from the match.

Christian Pulisic Rises To The Occasion

The United States Captain made his presence thoroughly felt in this match, from the start of the match till he left the pitch of play, he was a thorn in the flesh of the Madrid defence.

His constant dribbling, quick feet and lightening speed caused Marcelo and Nacho a lot of problems, he set up Timo Werner with a nice flick on just before he scored, dropped deep a lot of times to form a breathtaking combination with Kante and Jorginho

Pulisic was out to show his capabilities in front of a Chelsea legend he adored when he was a kid and he did it so well. His goal was perfectly executed against an in form Thibaut Cortious.

Kante Is A Midfield Monster

The Frenchman ran the Real Madrid midfield ragged, his abilities are second to none, he made the most interceptions in the match, always bombing forward with the ball as well as tracking back when the Blues lose possession, he was everywhere.

The midfield maestro won the man of the match award after an impressive performance. If Chelsea are to make it to the finals Ngolo Kante will have a big say about it.

Madrid Midfield Is Old And Running Out Of Steam But Experience Is Leading Them ON.

Real Madrid is really lucky to pick up a point from this match and the tactical improvements from their midfield in the second half played a huge part in that, the Blues found it hard to run the midfield and pin Madrid into their own half like they did in the first half.

Luka Modric and Toni Kroos are no longer that young and they couldn’t cope with the speed of the energetic Mason Mount, Ngolo Kante and Jorginho.

But the years of experience in this level made it possible for them to tweak their game, run less than they did in the first half and still push the ball to the wide areas for more penetration especially after Eden Hazard was brought on.

A Fit Sergio Ramos And Eden Hazard Gives Madrid A Better Chance For The Second Leg .

This match is finely poised and any side can progress to the finals, the Blues failed to take advantage of their attacking superiority in this match and could pay a heavy price for it if Sergio Ramos and Eden Hazard return to the starting line up for the second leg of the match.

Ramos will provide the leadership organisation this Madrid defence clearly lacked in the build up to Pulisic goal and will definitely improve that defence if he plays.

It will see Real Madrid return to a solid back four and that’s the formation they are very comfortable playing in, with an in-form former Chelsea keeper in between the posts, it promises to be a cracker.

The return of Eden Hazard to England is one moment every one is already waiting for. Everyone knows about the Belgian’s capabilities and what he has achieved in world football.

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