Chelsea vs Real Madrid: Karim Benzema Shines as Real Secure Historic Win Over the Blues

• Chelsea vs Real Madrid saw the La Liga secure a 3-1 vital win in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie
• Karim Benzema was the man of the moment for Los Blancos as he netted a brilliant hat-trick to inspire his side to victory
• Chelsea now face a mountainous task in their hope of overturning the scoreline for a chance to qualify for the semis

Real Madrid are a step away from qualifying for the semi-finals of the Champions League following their 3-1 thrilling win over Chelsea.

The two European heavyweights faced off in the first leg of their quarter-final tie on Wednesday night, April 6, at Stamford Bridge in what was a repeat of last season's semi-final.

Real set up a date with the Blues in the last eight of this season's Champions League after seeing off Paris Saint-Germain in the Round of 16.

On their part, Thomas Tuchel's charges sailed through to the quarters after edging French giants, Lille, in the last 16.

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Karim Benzema inspires Real Madrid to first win over Chelsea in history

Real Madrid's trip to Stamford Bridge was significant for the La Liga side as they were out in search of their first historic victory over the west Londoners.

And Carlo Ancelotti's men got the job done as they demolished their hosts 3-1 in the meeting.

Karim Benzema was the man of the moment for Los Blancos as he netted a hat-trick to inspire his side to a deserved win.

With neither side asserting dominance in the opening exchanges of the clash, the Frenchman sent Real Madrid in front with a splendid header into the top corner after getting on the end of a Vinicius Junior pull-back.

Benzema doubled Real's lead just three minutes later as he guided a glorious header across the face of goal and inside the far post to make it 2-0.

However, with five minutes left before the break, Kai Havertz pulled one back for Chelsea, sending a bullet header past Thibaut Courtois to give his side some hope for a comeback.

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However, Benzema dented those dreams as he scored his third of the match shortly after the second half as he nicked the ball after Edouard Mendy came out of the net before rolling it into a gaping goal.

Real Madrid jets home with the advantage

Efforts by the home side to stage a comeback proved futile as Real Madrid held firm to their lead to win 3-1.

Ancelotti's men will now head back home with the advantage ahead of the second leg of the tie to be played at Santiago Bernabeu.

They will be desperate to finish off the tie at home for a chance to reach the semis.

Chelsea backed to beat Real Madrid

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Michael Owen has made his prediction for the Chelsea vs Real Madrid Champions League cracker.

Chelsea are slated to host the first leg of the fixture on Wednesday night, April 6, at Stamford Bridge, with Owen backing Thomas Tuchel's charges to emerge victors.

According to the former Premier League striker, the west Londoners will hammer Real 3-1 to take a huge step towards qualification for the last four.