Benzema hits hat-trick to leave Chelsea CL defence in balance

Chelsea must overturn a two-goal deficit at Real Madrid to salvage their Champions League defence after Karim Benzema's hat-trick secured a 3-1 quarter-final first-leg victory over the error-strewn holders at Stamford Bridge.

Benzema dispatched two exquisite headers in three first-half minutes at a rain-drenched Stamford Bridge as Madrid set about avenging last season's semi-final defeat to Thomas Tuchel's reigning European champions in perfect fashion.

Kai Havertz grabbed a lifeline for Chelsea before half-time, but it evaporated 46 seconds after the restart when Edouard Mendy vacated his area and played an under-hit pass to Antonio Rudiger, which put Benzema's hat-trick clinching goal on a plate.

Substitute Romelu Lukaku spurned two chances to reduce arrears as Chelsea's comeback efforts came up short on a night of acute frustration which ended with the Blues' Champions League defence hanging in the balance ahead of next week's return at the Bernabeu.

Chelsea's attempt to blow Real Madrid away with a blistering start ultimately contributed to their early demise, with their eagerness to attack leaving chasms in midfield and at the back for Real to exploit, which they very nearly did inside 10 minutes, when Vinicius Junior rattled the crossbar.

The hosts' worst fears were realised on 21 minutes when Vinicius' third successful take-on against Andreas Christensen ended with the Brazilian floating a cross into the area which Benzema emphatically headed home at the near post.

One quickly became two, with Benzema heading in Luka Modric's sumptuous cross within three minutes to stun Stamford Bridge and leave Chelsea's Champions League defence hanging perilously.

Gallery: The best matches in the history of the UEFA Champions