Real Madrid and Chelsea draw 1-1 in the Champions League semifinals

Chelsea's head coach Thomas Tuchel, 2nd right, reacts as Chelsea's Christian Pulisic, left, celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Champions League semifinal first leg soccer match between Real Madrid and Chelsea at the Alfredo di Stefano stadium in Madrid, Spain, Tuesday, April 27, 2021. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue) BERNAT ARMANGUE AP

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Christian Pulisic got the Blues off to a dream start – albeit after Timo Werner had already missed a golden chance – with what could yet prove a crucial away goal, but Karim Benzema equalised for a sub-par Madrid shortly before the break to leave the tie finely poised.

Chelsea will take a slight advantage into the second leg of their Champions League semi-final with Real Madrid, after the first leg in Spain ended in a 1-1 draw.

Pulisic’s season hasn’t gone totally according to plan as injuries and the arrivals of Timo Werner, Kai Havertz and Hakim Ziyech have made it difficult to carve out a place in Chelsea’s starting XI. But the 22-year-old displayed how he continues to be a potent attacker by becoming the first American to score in a Champions League semifinal tie.

Collecting a pass from Antonio Rudiger on the edge of the 18-yard box, Pulisic’s momentum took him to the left of the goal. The Pennsylvanian cut back to his right and eluded former Chelsea keeper Thibaut Courtois before giving the Blues a 1-0 lead in the 14th minute.

Despite being the stronger side in the first half, Chelsea was unable to maintain its advantage before halftime.

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