Real Madrid News latest real madrid news
After the veteran striker stole the limelight in the first leg at Stamford Bridge, Karim Benzema scored an extra-time goal to lead the La Liga side to qualification despite losing 3-2 at home.
His header in the 96th minute left Edward Mendy in the air and Antonio Rudiger fell to the ground, ending the Blues’ hopes of a fantastic aggregate comeback.
But in a poignant display of sportsmanship, Benzema asked for the shirt of James, who fought bravely with the striker in both encounters and emerged as one of his team’s best players, creating chances and holding on in defense.
Despite the lack of consolation after his team’s elimination, the 22-year-old took a souvenir from the match in the form of a Benzema shirt. The cameras captured the moment Karim went to James at the final whistle, amid the celebrations of his teammates and supporters.
There, Benzema handed his shirt and both players headed into the tunnel. And before they left the field to walk to their locker rooms, James also removed his shirt and handed it to his mercurial opponent.
👀 @Benzema 🤝 Reece James.pic.twitter.com/RMswfvSN0y
— Portal Blanco (@PortaIBlanco) April 13, 2022
For long periods of the match, it looked like Chelsea would be able to do a seemingly impossible task, having moved to three goals that raised the bar overall.
However, Rodrygo, who came on as a substitute for the swing host, saved them late with a powerful shot at the far post after Luka Modric’s superb pass.
The drama did not end there, with Thomas Tuchel’s side on the wrong end of a European knockout after Benzema headed home the second goal.
James and his teammates will now turn their attention to the FA Cup semi-final against Crystal Palace this weekend.
Source Daily Mail
