"Real Madrid's Rodrygo Secures Champions League Semi-Final Spot with Stunning Performance against Chelsea"

Chelsea's hopes of progressing in the Champions League were dashed as they were knocked out in the quarter-finals by Real Madrid. Despite bringing the hustle in the first half, Chelsea were heavy on perspiration and low on inspiration, with N’Golo Kanté and Marc Cucurella missing clear chances. Even with £550m lavished on new players by the ownership since their installation last May, Frank Lampard's lineup still lacked the X factor. It was an extremely predictable game, lacking refinement, and Chelsea was reeled in by Real Madrid, the holders, who will now face Manchester City or Bayern Munich in the semi-finals. Rodrygo was the hero for Madrid, whose goals saw Chelsea's season come to a grinding halt.

Lampard's selection was always going to be scrutinized, with Thomas Tuchel's surprise and attack-minded 4-3-1-2 lineup almost pulling off one of the great comebacks last season. Kanté and Conor Gallagher being the No 10s seemed to confuse Madrid at the outset, but it was not enough to save Chelsea. Despite a feisty game and Chelsea's best efforts, the club has now experienced the worst run since 1993, with four defeats and just the one goal scored.

Rodrygo hared away to cross low from the byline, Karim Benzema missing the touch in the middle but Vinícius returning the ball at the far post for Rodrygo, who had bent his run back into the six-yard box. Touch. Finish. All over. And was that Courtois goading the Chelsea fans at the other end?