Real Madrid 1 - 1 Chelsea (2nd Half) | UCL | 27.04.21

The second half was much more like the game we expected - spells of Chelsea possession followed by Madrid and their turn.

Substitutions just after the hour returned the match to the frantic action of the first half, both managers dissatisfied with the scoreline. On came Zyiech, Havertz, and James while injury-plagued old boy Eden Hazard for the hosts. Chelsea’s passing became slicker aided by the erratic monsoon that drenched all at Valdebebas. Zyiech to Chilwell, Chilwell to Havert, then into Mount who after a marvellous pirouette unleashed a crisp strike - blocked by the ever-improving Eder Militao. A player who is finally coming out of the shadows in Sergio Ramos’ absence.

On further reflection, maybe the conditions were the most significant influence on the game. Another steady stream from the heavens led to another attacking flurry; first Madrid pushed - more blocked shots from defenders throwing themselves in front of the ball then Chelsea, who exploited the change in Reals defensive shape following the substitution of Marcelo. A trademark flamboyant performance from the defender,  reminding us why he was the most outrageous left-back at his peak, but in truth, his first-half defensive lapses could have been a lot more costly on the night.

It proved to be an exciting match up - 1-1 slightly flattering Madrid, who found it challenging to carve out clear cut opportunities against the solid Chelsea backline we’ve seen since Tuchel's arrival. A good version of this type of game - the first leg in a two-legged tie of a champions league semi-final is always tense, neither side wanting to show their hand. Chelsea will be the happier of the two, coming away with that cliched away goal - more clinical in the first half, and they could have been over the hill and far away. Ramos is likely to return in time for the second leg - will Chelsea rue not taking their opportunity? As it stands, it’s as we like it, game on in London next week.