Pulisic scores crucial away goal as Chelsea hold Real Madrid to draw

Christian Pulisic scored a brilliant goal for Chelsea as they played out a 1-1 draw against Spanish giants, Real Madrid in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final tie at the Estadio Alfredo di Stefano.

Chelsea came out of the blocks flying in the game and were able to drag the Real Madrid defence around, with one of such movements creating a chance which Timo Werner missed from point blank range, firing against former Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. The miss seemed to spur on Chelsea as only minutes later, a brilliant ball over the top from Antonio Rudiger set Christian Pulisic free, and the American calmly rounded Courtois before firing the ball home from inside the box in the 14th minute. It was the fifth goal of the American’s Champions League career, making him the highest scoring American ever in the competition and also Chelsea’s youngest Champions League semi-final goalscorer ever. Chelsea had chances to make it 2 soon after, but they failed to capitalise on their chances. Real Madrid striker, Karim Benzema who had earlier rattled the bar from distance finally got his name on the scoresheet to secure parity. A well-worked corner routine was ended by Benzema who blasted a half volley beyond Chelsea goalkeeper, Edouard Mendy in the 29th minute. The game took a duller edge in the second half even with the introduction of Chelsea legend, Eden Hazard, with both teams struggling to break each other down as the game ended 1-1.

Chelsea now have the advantage of an away goal going into the second leg at Stamford Bridge, as the tie takes a promising turn. The second leg promises to be a very interesting affair between both sides.