Real Madrid reaches semifinals after surviving Chelsea comeback on special Champions League night

By Ben Church, CNN

Updated 0844 GMT (1644 HKT) April 13, 2022

Karim Benzema — once again Real Madrid's hero — celebrates after scoring a goal in extra-time.

(CNN)Real Madrid got the better of yet another special night in the UEFA Champions League as it survived a brilliant comeback from Chelsea in a thrilling quarterfinal at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium on Tuesday.

It wasKarim Benzema yet again who made the difference, with the Frenchman scoring in extra-time to secure Madrid's place in the semifinals after losing 3-2 on the night but winning 5-4 on aggregate. Madrid had taken a3-1 advantage into the second leg after Benzema scored a hat-trick at Stamford Bridge last week, but the tie was turned on its head after Chelsea fought back to lead 3-0 on the night. Goals from Mason Mount, Antonio Rudiger and Timo Werner had looked to give the reigning European champion another iconic win in the competition, but Madrid bit back with just 10 minutes remaining to force extra-time. Madrid's first goal was simply a work of art, orchestrated by the brilliant Luka Modrić. The midfielder executed a perfect pass with the outside of his boot, allowing Rodrygo to volley home from close range. Read MoreNeutral fans welcomed another 30 minutes of chaotic football, and it was Madrid who found the decisive goal in extra-time, with Benzema heading home a brilliant cross from Vinícius Jr.«The more I suffer, the happier I am,» Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti told reporters after the game. «It was a lot of suffering, though.»We won because we had the energy to keep the match alive. The players were brave and faced it like warriors," he added. Chelsea's Mason Mount is consoled by teammate César Azpilicueta after the match. 'There are no