Image: APA/AFP/JAVIER SORIANO
Defense chief David Alaba took a big step towards the semi-finals of the Champions League with Real Madrid: In the quarter-final first leg against Chelsea it was once again Karim Benzema who paved the way to a 2-0 home win.
The Frenchman cracked the defensive bar put in place by caretaker Chelsea manager Frank Lampard. He chose the 21st minute for his scoop – the timing was perfect: it was his 21st goal in the last 21 knockout duels in the Champions League. Real Madrid continued to run, especially after Ben Chilwell was ruled out (59′). Substitute Marco Asensio added the deserved 2-0 (74th).
AC Milan beat Napoli
AC Milan won the first leg of the toxic Italian duel against Naples 1-0 thanks to Ismael Bennacer’s counterattack (40′). The guests had been more dangerous before – but without the injured striker Victor Osimhen, the executor was missing.
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I am Pierce Boyd, a driven and ambitious professional working in the news industry. I have been writing for 24 Hours Worlds for over five years, specializing in sports section coverage. During my tenure at the publication, I have built an impressive portfolio of articles that has earned me a reputation as an experienced journalist and content creator.
