Real Madrid News
Images: Benzema spotted ‘masterminding’ the tie winning goal vs Chelsea with Vinicius Jr
The script of the Champions League quarterfinals between Real Madrid and Chelsea will go down in history as one of the Champions League’s finest.
Traveling away to Stamford Bridge, Los Blancos secured a solid 3-1 lead over their London-based opponents last week. Real Madrid’s dominant performance in England made one believe that the game was buried and the result written in stone.
Yet, Thomas Tuchel’s side were on a mission at the Bernabeu. Heading into the second leg, the defending champions required at least three goals to secure a place in the semifinals.
For 75 minutes, Chelsea were the better team on the field. The English side pressed high, won balls, and created chance after chance against a poor Real Madrid defence. With fifteen minutes to go, they led 4-3 and seemed set to progress.
Luka Modric’s brilliance gave the hosts a second chance by taking the game to extra time. Then, Karim Benzema happened.
When Ancelotti’s side were in search of a winner in extra-time, the Frenchman combined sublimely with Vinicius Jr to get the better of Edouard Mendy. However, the goal was not an unexpected moment of brilliance but the execution of a well-thought-out pre-discussed plan.
Benzema and Vinicius were spotted discussing ideas before extra time as they looked for a winner. The Frenchman was gesturing player movements to the Brazilian on his palm, possibly explaining how he wanted the delivery for his header.
The striker’s movement for the eventual winner was sublime and a reminder of why he is currently the best player in the world. As Vinicius stormed down the right flank in the 94th minute, Benzema immediately spotted that his partner would have enough time to stall the play for a moment.
He instantly changed the direction of his run towards the open face of the goal at the far post. With no one marking his unexpected run, Benzema found himself in front of the goal and got onto the end of the Brazilian’s cross.
The two forwards have struck up an unstoppable partnership this season. The duo have 38 goals and 18 assists in the league between them, figures that several teams cannot boast of this season.
Real Madrid have finally received some good news as MARCA confirms that Nacho has finally made his decision about his future, and is set to continue at the club for the foreseeable future.
His contract expires in the summer, and Real Madrid had tabled an extension for the player, which was not accepted by the Spaniard at the time. Now, however, he has decided to reject offers from Juventus, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Inter Milan, and AC Milan.
Nacho will sign a one year extension, with the option to extend for another year if both parties reach an agreement.
His continuity also means that he will be the new club captain for the 2023/24 season, since Karim Benzema is leaving the club on a free transfer in the summer. Luka Modric will be second captain, followed by Daniel Carvajal and Toni Kroos.
Carlo Ancelotti has also spoken to the player, confirming that they trust him for next season in the team, which has gone a long way in helping convince the player.
The Italian gaffer also spoke about the Spanish defender’s contract situation after the game against Athletic Club yesterday, saying:
“Asensio, Nacho and Ceballos? We have explained them their roles. The club have offered them renewals. Asensio has preferred to leave, Ceballos and Nacho are still thinking about it.”
While a centre-back by trade, Nacho has played across the defence for Madrid continuously, including putting shifts at left-back, right-back, and even centre-back.
His departure would have probably pushed Madrid to sign another defender, especially since they are considering selling Ferland Mendy if a good offer arrives.
Regardless of that, though, Madrid are moving to sign Alphonso Davies, and have already made initial contacts with the player. Bayern Munich have not rejected their advances.
Further, the los blancos management have already met with Davies’ entourage twice, cementing their interest in the Canadian ace.
