Chelsea 1-3 Real Madrid: CL holders in tough spot after Benzema hat-trick

Champions League holders Chelsea are in a precarious position after Karim Benzema’s hat-trick secured a 3-1 first-leg win for Real Madrid.

Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti tested negative for coronavirus in time to link up with his playing squad in London.

Premier League is only ‘best’ if ‘best’ means ‘richest’

Former Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois started for Real, with captain Karim Benzema leading the forward line amid high praise from Blues boss Thomas Tuchel this week.

Todd Boehly was at Stamford Bridge to take in the match, with the US businessman locked in negotiations to buy Chelsea.

LA Dodgers part-owner Boehly and British business magnate Jonathan Goldstein head up one of the four consortiums shortlisted in the battle to buy Chelsea from Roman Abramovich.

Chelsea meet Real in huge CL quarter final

The 14 Englishmen with over 3000 minutes of football this season

Abject Arsenal soundly beaten at Crystal Palace

Magnificent Liverpool will win...but will give you a chance

Zaha speculation begins again

Rashford & Sancho in weekend's worst PL XI

Pep & supersub Foden shut down 'overthinking' accusations

Rooney suggests British nucleus best for Man Utd

Kante set to enter Champions League beast mode

Prolifc Spurs top of the pile when it comes to goals

Boehly has been in London for meetings with Chelsea executives and key personnel around the club, and will meet former Blues winger and anti-racism campaigner Paul Canoville on Friday.

Benzema nodded Madrid into a 1-0 lead, powering the ball into the net from Vinicius Junior’s cross.

Vinicius eluded Chelsea’s cover down the inside left, and delivered a telling cross that begged for a potent finish – that Benzema duly provided.

Benzema delivered another sumptuous header just