Champions League LIVE: Real Madrid vs Chelsea, Bayern Munich vs Villarreal in quarter-finals second legs

<p>Chelsea's reign as European kings is <strong>over </strong>- the holders have been knocked out of the Champions League by Real Madrid in one of the all-time continental quarter-finals!</p><p>Karim Benzema rises in extra-time to net the aggregate winner for Los Blancos, as the hosts withstand a superb second leg comeback from the Blues to book their place in the semi-finals!</p><p>It is sickening heartbreak for Thomas Tuchel's side, who turned the pain of their first leg loss into an all-time performance - but Rodrygo forced the encore before his Ballon d'Or-chasing team-mate sent Carlo Ancelotti's hosts to the last four.</p><p>What a game. What a sport. The Champions League, everybody!</p>

FT: Madrid 2 (5)-(4) 3 Chelsea

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">IT JUST HAD TO BE HIM! 🌟<br><br>Karim Benzema gets his goal in extra-time, and it's advantage to Real Madrid once again...<br><br>An absolute thriller at the Bernabéu! 🥵<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> <a href="https://t.co/S16zuWUtdz">pic.twitter.com/S16zuWUtdz</a></p>— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) <a href="https://twitter.com/footballontnt/status/1513987095630647309?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">IT HAD TO BE HIM! <br><br>KARIM BENEZEMA, ANOTHER HEADER! 💥 <a href="https://t.co/mqkhLTjCpi">pic.twitter.com/mqkhLTjCpi</a></p>— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) <a href="https://twitter.com/CBSSportsGolazo/status/1513986991884419072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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WATCH: Benzema puts Blancos back on top

<p>BAYERN MUNICH ARE OUT OF THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE! WE REPEAT, BAYERN MUNICH ARE OUT OF THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE! VILLARREAL ARE INTO THE SEMI-FINALS!</p><p>Last year's Europa League winners rise at the last to earn a draw at Allianz Arena and a victory on aggregate across the two legs of their quarter-final with the Bundesliga champions.</p><p>Unai Emery's Yellow Submarine are the little side that can. They flood the field in delight at the final whistle. History has been made tonight!</p>

FT: Bayern 1 (1)-(2) 1 Villarreal

<p>THIS IS THE GAME THAT KEEPS ON GIVING!</p><p>Santiago Bernabeu comes alive again, as Rodrygo - barely off the bench for Real Madrid - fires home to return this game to level terms on aggregate!</p><p>It is the lifeline the hosts needed after a remarkable Chelsea performance today - but it is all about the pass from Luka Modric. You could hang that one in the Louvre.</p>

GOAL: Madrid 1 (4)-(4) 3 Chelsea

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">CHELSEA ARE LEVEL! 🙌<br><br>Another great header in a tie full of great headers! 💥<br><br>Antonio Rüdiger powers the ball home from a corner to make it 3-3 on aggregate...<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> <a href="https://t.co/ACRwp5xAIt">pic.twitter.com/ACRwp5xAIt</a></p>— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) <a href="https://twitter.com/footballontnt/status/1513973363173171201?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The reigning champs are back in it.  💥 <a href="https://t.co/EqUete5beC">pic.twitter.com/EqUete5beC</a></p>— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) <a href="https://twitter.com/CBSSportsGolazo/status/1513973164086231041?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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WATCH: Rudiger header ties game up

<p>Who else but the man himself?</p><p>Villarreal have rallied bravely throughout this game, but it has felt more a case of when rather than if for Bayern Munich to finally get a goal - and Robert Lewandowski has struck to deliver.</p><p>Thomas Muller picks off a sloppy pass, feeds the Poland star and he does the rest with his usual elan.</p>

GOAL: Bayern 1 (1)-(1) 0 Villarreal

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">That's the perfect start for Chelsea! 🔥<br><br>A fortunate way through for Mason Mount, but there was nothing fortunate about the finish... 🎯<br><br>We're down to a one-goal deficit!  <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> <a href="https://t.co/O5uMYZlGTE">pic.twitter.com/O5uMYZlGTE</a></p>— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) <a href="https://twitter.com/footballontnt/status/1513959946307747845?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">MASON MOUNT. CLINICAL.<br><br>Game on.  🍿 <a href="https://t.co/py92awXL9V">pic.twitter.com/py92awXL9V</a></p>— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) <a href="https://twitter.com/CBSSportsGolazo/status/1513959930658635779?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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WATCH: Mount effort draws Blues closer

<p>And with that, we're going to wrap up our match blog coverage for the night - but what a time we have shared, basking in the glow of some brilliant sporting drama.</p><p>The last two holders of the Champions League, Chelsea and Bayern Munich, are out - beaten in the quarter-finals in rather different, but no less thrilling circumstances.</p><p>Instead, it is long-time European heavyweights Real Madrid and Europa League holders Villarreal who march through to the semi-finals - and by this time tomorrow, we'll know who has joined them too.</p><p>Thank you for joining us - and good bye!</p>

Thank you and goodbye

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">3 - Chelsea became just the second English team to score three goals away against Real Madrid in all European competition, after Manchester United did so in a 3-3 draw in the European Cup in May 1968. Valiant.</p>— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/1513995857498152969?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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History in heartbreak

Service with a smile

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">4 - Karim <a href="https://twitter.com/Benzema?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Benzema</a> 🇫🇷 has scored four headed goals in his last five games for Real Madrid in all competitions, as many as in his previous 52 games for Los Blancos. Saviour. <a href="https://t.co/Eb1SizAo59">pic.twitter.com/Eb1SizAo59</a></p>— OptaJose (@OptaJose) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaJose/status/1513993805652971533?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Big head

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Chelsea's Champions League title defence is OVER 👋 <a href="https://t.co/CojmTxqJZd">pic.twitter.com/CojmTxqJZd</a></p>— GOAL (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1513993566128906242?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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All over

<p>Chelsea are throwing all they can - and the list of half-chances they burn as the clock ticks down is not a small number.</p><p>Three added minutes incoming.</p>

Blues spurn final chances

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ziyech goes close but his shot is saved at the near post! 😲<br><br>⚪️ 2-3 🟡 [114’] <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a></p>— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChelseaFC/status/1513991344280252429?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Throw the kitchen sink

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">2007 - Mason Mount and Timo Werner have both scored and assisted for Chelsea tonight, the first time two different players have done so in a UEFA Champions League match against Real Madrid since November 2007 (Markus Rosenberg and Boubacar Sanogo for Werder Bremen). Rarity. <a href="https://t.co/EMPJoXBhjw">pic.twitter.com/EMPJoXBhjw</a></p>— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/1513983648126619648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Double trouble

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Did anybody 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 think Karim Benzema wasn't going to score today? 🤷 <a href="https://t.co/i2lLMTwuBO">pic.twitter.com/i2lLMTwuBO</a></p>— GOAL (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1513988643723034633?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Right on time

<p>And breathe.</p><p>But only for a few minutes. There's still another half of extra-time to come at Santiago Bernabeu - and Chelsea have to dig as deep as they can.</p><p>What an extraordinary game of football this has been. Here we go again.</p>

ETHT: Madrid 2 (5)-(4) 3 Chelsea

Benzema finish puts Madrid on path to semis

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">2 - <a href="https://twitter.com/VillarrealCFen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VillarrealCFen</a> have reached the <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChampionsLeague</a> semifinals for the second time, after the 2005/06 campaign when they lost against Arsenal (1-0 in London and 0-0 in Vila-real). Dream. <a href="https://t.co/Mv2g630S2W">pic.twitter.com/Mv2g630S2W</a></p>— OptaJose (@OptaJose) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaJose/status/1513984873849102350?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Dream big

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="in" dir="ltr">KARIM BENZEMA <a href="https://t.co/jddWagviO3">pic.twitter.com/jddWagviO3</a></p>— GOAL (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1513986143032856582?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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...loading

<p>IT JUST HAD TO BE HIM, DIDN'T IT?!</p><p>Karim Benzema nets his 83rd Champions League goal and puts Real Madrid back on top in this absolute belter of a clash!</p><p>It's a simple header from a cut-back cross, but the Frenchman buries it, pinpoint, to put Los Blancos in the lead on aggregate.</p><p>Are all of Chelsea's comeback heroics set to be for nothing?</p>

GOAL: Madrid 2 (5)-(4) 3 Chelsea

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="de" dir="ltr">Samuel Chukwueze was ICE-COLD under pressure 💛 <a href="https://t.co/f0wJaMzvuq">pic.twitter.com/f0wJaMzvuq</a></p>— GOAL (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1513984935786393604?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Pressure off

<p>The scenes in Munich are pure joy - unless you're a Bayern fan, of course.</p><p>One side are in the hat - but will we know who joins them there inside half-an-hour? Or are we headed all the way to penalties?</p><p>Extra-time is underway at Santiago Bernabeu.</p>

ETKO: Madrid 1 (4)-(4) 3 Chelsea

<p>History repeats itself!</p><p>Six days on from a 3-1 victory at Stamford Bridge that looked to have put them over the top, Real Madrid are downed 3-1 at home against Champions League holders Chelsea.</p><p>Rodrygo rescues extra-time for Los Blancos - and the Blues fight back to make history. We've another half-hour to come.</p><p>But elsewhere...</p>

End of 90: Madrid 1 (4)-(4) 3 Chelsea

<p>VILLARREAL HAVE GOT ONE FOOT IN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SEMI-FINALS!</p><p>Samuel Chukwueze scores for the Yellow Submarine to silence Allianz Arena!</p><p>Bayern Munich, as it stands, are heading </p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">VILLARRAEL HAVE SNATCHED IT LATE IN MUNICH!! 😱<br><br>Samuel Chukwueze comes off the bench and scores huge goal for Unai Emery's side. <br><br>Bayern are heading out of the Champions League!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> <a href="https://t.co/bPZHoo6yrX">pic.twitter.com/bPZHoo6yrX</a></p>— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) <a href="https://twitter.com/footballontnt/status/1513984658136092676?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">VILLARREAL STUN BAYERN IN THE 88TH MINUTE. 😱 <a href="https://t.co/dyMuKkG8ft">pic.twitter.com/dyMuKkG8ft</a></p>— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) <a href="https://twitter.com/CBSSportsGolazo/status/1513983302381629441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>of Europe in an upset for the ages!</p>

GOAL: Bayern 1 (1)-(2) 1 Villarreal

<p>There's going to be four added minutes at Santiago Bernabeu for a winner - or we are heading for an encore of extra-time.</p><p>Honestly, who doesn't want this game to end? Hands up at the back. It beats watching Manchester United, that's for sure.</p>

Injury time approaches

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">THAT ASSIST FROM LUKA MODRIC 🤯<br><br>Ageing like a fine wine 🍷 <a href="https://t.co/gjaPRK4A4L">pic.twitter.com/gjaPRK4A4L</a></p>— GOAL (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1513979855175667712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Like fine wine

<p>THIS ONE WILL COUNT! CHELSEA LEAD ON THE NIGHT AND ON AGGREGATE!</p><p>Timo Werner will go down in Chelsea folklore if the Blues hold on for this one. He's fed with a dart into the left of the box, then cuts back on himself to round two scrambling defenders.</p><p>His shot takes a kind deflection off goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and bounces in at the far post. Real Madrid are stunned!</p>

GOAL: Madrid 0 (3)-(4) 3 Chelsea

<p>We're into the final quarters in both Madrid and Munich and, as it stands, we're going to get extra-time in both Champions League quarter-finals.</p><p>It feels almost cruel for Chelsea, who have been the clear-cut best of the bunch, but then there is a reason these games are played over two legs - Madrid's performance last week means they might reap a stay of execution in this game.</p><p>Bayern Munich are frantically pushing for a winner. Villarreal are showing their steel in response. What a night of football this is turning out to be.</p>

Extra-time incoming?

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">CHELSEA HAVE COME BACK FROM THE DEAD <a href="https://t.co/Mjf544TOU3">pic.twitter.com/Mjf544TOU3</a></p>— GOAL (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1513972454015832068?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Back from the dead?

<p>Chelsea are ahead - but no! VAR comes to crush their hopes and give Real Madrid new life!</p><p>But even if Marcos Alonso's volley does not count, this is still the stuff of legend. The Blues man looked to have put them over the top there, but his goal is chalked off for handball.</p><p>Moments later, Karim Benzema heads off the bar. It's next-goal-takes-all now, surely!</p>

DISALLOWED GOAL: Madrid 0 (3)-(3) 2 Chelsea

<p>WHAT AN ABSOLUTE THUMPER FROM TONI RUDIGER TO PUT CHELSEA LEVEL IN THIS TIE!</p><p>The Blues snap up back-to-back corners, and Real Madrid feel the second one is the wrong call from the officials - but their visitors won't care!</p><p>Mason Mount swings it in and the Germany international steams onto it with a corking finish to push it back across goal. It's his first in Europe - and what a time to score it!</p>

GOAL: Madrid 0 (3)-(3) 2 Chelsea

<p>Now they resume too in Germany - and Bayern Munich look to be absolutely chomping at the bit.</p><p>There's surely plenty of paths to victory for the hosts - but can Villarreal hold them off in the belly of the beast, at Allianz Stadium?</p>

Back underway at Allianz Stadium

<p>The teams are back out for the second half in Madrid - and despite being the better side so far, Chelsea still need another goal to tie things up in the capital.</p><p>Real Madrid need a response though, if only to put some needed daylight between them and their visitors.</p><p>Here we go!</p>

Back underway at Santiago Bernabeu

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Real Madrid didn't have a shot on target in the first half 👀 <a href="https://t.co/YMVULP8dZm">pic.twitter.com/YMVULP8dZm</a></p>— GOAL (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1513967728025116676?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Drawing a Blanco

<p>There goes the whistle too at Allianz Arena, and Bayern Munich remain goalless across a game-and-a-half of this tie so far.</p><p>Villarreal are doing all they can to keep it that way too. The Yellow Submarine will know how easy it is for tthe Bavarian side to get on a roll if they score.</p>

HT: Bayern 0 (0)-(1) 0 Villarreal

<p>There's the whistle for the break at Santiago Bernabeu - and it is Chelsea who are on top in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final.</p><p>But the Blues are not out of the woods yet - Real Madrid remain in control of the overall tie, and they'll surely have a response up their sleeve.</p><p>There's plenty more to come in this one.</p>

HT: Madrid 0 (3)-(2) 1 Chelsea

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="de" dir="ltr">Bayern Munich fans pay tribute to Gerd Muller 🤩 <a href="https://t.co/Ekcr19npc5">pic.twitter.com/Ekcr19npc5</a></p>— GOAL (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1513958009348702221?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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A fitting tribute

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">😱 Musiala nods a cross on target, but Rulli is able to make the save 🧤<br><br>♦️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FCBVCF?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FCBVCF</a> 0-0 (30') ♦️</p>— FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayernEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBayernEN/status/1513963221467734027?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Bayern continue to push for opener

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">20/20 - Mason Mount (20 goals &amp; 21 assists) is one of just two Englishmen to both score 20+ goals and provide 20+ assists for a Premier League side in all competitions since the start of last season alongside Harry Kane. Dreaming. <a href="https://t.co/U0GnhTB3L1">pic.twitter.com/U0GnhTB3L1</a></p>— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/1513962673339355136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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An Englishman abroad

<p>The roar around Allianz Arena tonight is biblical - but if anything, it seems to have spurred Villarreal's counter-attack instincts on to new heights.</p><p>Every time they encounter a dangerous situation in their own box, the Yellow Submarine play it long and put Bayern Munich into a passage of frantic backwheel action of their own.</p>

End-to-end in Munich

<p>The perfect start at Santiago Bernabeu for the defending champions!</p><p>Chelsea needed to strike first to keep themselves in this contest on a psychological level and that is just what they have done against Real Madrid, through the ever-reliable Mason Mount.</p><p>The England man is fed a little dink on the edge of the box by Timo Werner, shrugs off his defender and blasts a powerful finish beyond Thibaut Courtois. Game on!</p>

GOAL: Madrid 0 (3)-(2) 1 Chelsea

<p>A spot of lazy defence on the edge of their own box means Chelsea are made to sweat here by a Real Madrid free-kick.</p><p>Up steps Karim Benzema - but the Frenchman's effort is too high, turned over the crossbar and pitching wide to boot.</p>

Blues survive early free-kick chance

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The pre-match display from the Real Madrid fans 👑 <a href="https://t.co/xcxFiaT5O7">pic.twitter.com/xcxFiaT5O7</a></p>— GOAL (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1513956885354979342?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Show your colours

<p>The anthems are concluded, the coins have been tossed, the excitement has reached fever pitch.</p><p><strong>LET'S GOOOOOOOOOO!!!</strong></p>

KO: Madrid v Chelsea

<p>You must wonder - how many people have played the Champions League Anthem at their weddings? It's an absolutely perfect choice - stately, superb, dramatic, full of expectation, just like every evening reception should be.</p><p>If aliens ever invade, this should be the official anthem of Earth. There's no question about it, save maybe <em>Buddy Holly</em> by Weezer.</p><p>The teams have stood, the flags have been unfurled - we are moments away from a massive few hours of football.</p>

Please be upstanding...

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Pep Guardiola is all of us on Champions League day 😄 <a href="https://t.co/M05045Vtgk">pic.twitter.com/M05045Vtgk</a></p>— GOAL (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1513899107450032129?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Ten minutes to go...

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">1 - This will be Chelsea’s first ever game at the Bernabeu in European competition, with last season’s away game at Real Madrid being played at the Alfredo Di Stéfano Stadium. No English side has ever won at the Bernabeu in the Champions League by more than a single goal. Stage. <a href="https://t.co/7TwnBnQ5vX">pic.twitter.com/7TwnBnQ5vX</a></p>— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/1513951802303074314?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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History beckons for Blues?

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Getting set for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> action! 🤝<a href="https://twitter.com/trivago?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@trivago</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LetsGo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LetsGo</a> <a href="https://t.co/fb8C6dcEAi">pic.twitter.com/fb8C6dcEAi</a></p>— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChelseaFC/status/1513950350126067717?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Here they come...

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">1 - The average age of Real Madrid’s starting XI against Chelsea is 29 years and 293 days, their oldest in a Champions League game in competition history. Experience.</p>— OptaJose (@OptaJose) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaJose/status/1513947639053799432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Old heads on old shoulders?

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A good luck moon 🌔🤞<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/packmas?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#packmas</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FCBVCF?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FCBVCF</a> <a href="https://t.co/oAddlubvDm">pic.twitter.com/oAddlubvDm</a></p>— FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayernEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBayernEN/status/1513947553204736003?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Good moon rising?

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">8 - Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti 🇮🇹 is looking to qualify for the semi-finals of the Champions League for the eighth time in his career; the joint-most by a coach in the competition’s history, along with Pep Guardiola 🇪🇸 and José Mourinho 🇵🇹 (eight times). Masters. <a href="https://t.co/h4ZOdvSRXE">pic.twitter.com/h4ZOdvSRXE</a></p>— OptaJose (@OptaJose) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaJose/status/1513944404310081542?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Call him master

<p>Has there been a more unhappy customer than Romelu Lukaku this season? Even Cristiano Ronaldo seems to be marginally more pleased with life in the Premier League than the Belgian, and he's playing for Manchester United!</p><p>But despite FIFA Club World Cup success, the Stamford Bridge return for the former Inter star has been a fraught one. He's failed to deliver on his promise on the pitch, and has found himself gradually phased out of regular starting berths by Thomas Tuchel as a result.</p><p>The attacker is injured, hence his absence today - but if Chelsea manage to turn this around without him, his place at the club grows more unsteady.</p>

Lukaku missing amid turmoil

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">1 - This will be <a href="https://twitter.com/VillarrealCFen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VillarrealCFen</a> second ever away game vs a German side in the <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChampionsLeague</a>  – the previous one was also against Bayern Munich, with the Yellow Submarine losing 1-3 in the 2011-12 group stage. Preview<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChampionsLeague?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChampionsLeague</a> <a href="https://t.co/gXm8TKratM">pic.twitter.com/gXm8TKratM</a></p>— OptaJose (@OptaJose) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaJose/status/1513917281612582913?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Yellow Submarine go sailing

<p>And if you missed them too, this is how the sides line up at Allianz Arena...</p><p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="de" dir="ltr">🌟 𝙐𝙣𝙨𝙚𝙧 𝙏𝙚𝙖𝙢 𝙛𝙪̈𝙧 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%F0%9D%99%81%F0%9D%98%BE%F0%9D%98%BD%F0%9D%99%91%F0%9D%98%BE%F0%9D%99%81?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#𝙁𝘾𝘽𝙑𝘾𝙁</a>! 💪 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/packmas?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#packmas</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MiaSanMia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MiaSanMia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> <a href="https://t.co/H1ODLfdXkj">pic.twitter.com/H1ODLfdXkj</a></p>— FC Bayern München (@FCBayern) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBayern/status/1513936676225179648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Here are the 1️⃣1️⃣ players who will try and make history!<br><br>This is the Villarreal starting XI to face a giant of European football, <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBayernEN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FCBayernEN</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> <a href="https://t.co/BlAprmPZ0X">pic.twitter.com/BlAprmPZ0X</a></p>— Villarreal CF English (@VillarrealCFen) <a href="https://twitter.com/VillarrealCFen/status/1513936577336123397?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Team News: Bayern v Villarreal

<p>If you're only just joining us now, then welcome - and here is a reminder of how it's going to look at Santiago Bernabeu...</p><p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">📋✅ Our starting 𝗫𝗜 🆚 <a href="https://twitter.com/ChelseaFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChelseaFC</a>! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> <a href="https://t.co/YakehNI05U">pic.twitter.com/YakehNI05U</a></p>— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) <a href="https://twitter.com/realmadriden/status/1513925346730692618?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Your Blues in Madrid... 📋<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> <a href="https://t.co/IkiXyEw95z">pic.twitter.com/IkiXyEw95z</a></p>— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChelseaFC/status/1513938215748739075?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Team News: Madrid v Chelsea

<p>Last but not least, Villarreal have revealed their XI for today's game in Munich.</p><p>History beckons for the Yellow Submarine, who have run with their Europea League triumph last season and not looked back.</p><p>Could they mount another mighty upset against Bayern Munich?</p><p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Here are the 1️⃣1️⃣ players who will try and make history!<br><br>This is the Villarreal starting XI to face a giant of European football, <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBayernEN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FCBayernEN</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> <a href="https://t.co/BlAprmPZ0X">pic.twitter.com/BlAprmPZ0X</a></p>— Villarreal CF English (@VillarrealCFen) <a href="https://twitter.com/VillarrealCFen/status/1513936577336123397?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Up periscope!

<p>Hot on the heels in Germany, Chelsea have confirmed the XI who will take to the field in just over an hour against Real Madrid.</p><p>It is a big - a <em>very </em>big - night in Spain for Timo Werner up front. Thoughts, Blues fans? Can the visitors turn this one around with one of the all-time great European escapes?</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Your Blues in Madrid... 📋<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> <a href="https://t.co/IkiXyEw95z">pic.twitter.com/IkiXyEw95z</a></p>— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChelseaFC/status/1513938215748739075?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Blues into the fray

<p>The lineup is in for our other hosts today too - Bayern Munich have confirmed their starting XI for their all-important clash with Villarreal.</p><p>Despite trailing by a goal, the hosts are surely favourites, no? Especially with Robert Lewandowski - Benzema's rival for the Ballon d'Or if there was one - up in front.</p><p>Let us know what you think - will this side turn it around for the Bundesliga champions?</p><p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="de" dir="ltr">🌟 𝙐𝙣𝙨𝙚𝙧 𝙏𝙚𝙖𝙢 𝙛𝙪̈𝙧 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%F0%9D%99%81%F0%9D%98%BE%F0%9D%98%BD%F0%9D%99%91%F0%9D%98%BE%F0%9D%99%81?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#𝙁𝘾𝘽𝙑𝘾𝙁</a>! 💪 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/packmas?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#packmas</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MiaSanMia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MiaSanMia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> <a href="https://t.co/H1ODLfdXkj">pic.twitter.com/H1ODLfdXkj</a></p>— FC Bayern München (@FCBayern) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBayern/status/1513936676225179648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Here comes Bavaria...

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr">😍<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> <a href="https://t.co/KbbcEDbUOC">pic.twitter.com/KbbcEDbUOC</a></p>— Villarreal CF English (@VillarrealCFen) <a href="https://twitter.com/VillarrealCFen/status/1513928370190524427?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Munich or bust!

<p>So, Chelsea are in Madrid, which is good news - but Karim Benzema is too, which is less good news for the Blues.</p><p>You've got to imagine Thomas Tuchel would give a lot to have a forward in form as rich as the Frenchman, who looks to have shrugged off his controversial tag and truly stepped out of Cristiano Ronaldo's shadow at Santiago Bernabeu.</p><p>The latter is a bit of an unfair statement - he's always scored goals and won trophies, after all - but could this be the year he wins the Ballon d'Or? Former Blancos man Ronaldo - the <em>other </em>Ronaldo - <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/ronaldo-benzema-deserves-ballon-dor-nod-labels-real-madrid/bltdfc7a1c0005261ec" target="_blank">certainly thinks so</a>.</p>

Is Benzema the Ballon d'Or king?

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="pt" dir="ltr">Santiago Bernabeu. 📌<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> <a href="https://t.co/ijStLwuenY">pic.twitter.com/ijStLwuenY</a></p>— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChelseaFC/status/1513932840068648964?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Blues in the house!

<p>How fond are your memories, Champions League spotters? Can you recall what unfolded last Tuesday, or has the manic action of the weekend displaced it for quality value?</p><p>No matter - here's a handy reminder of what went down.</p><p>In Spain, Villarreal surprised everyone with the shock result of the round, edging out Bayern Munich 1-0 thanks to Arnaut Danjuma's eighth-minute finish - their only on-target shot of the game.</p><p>In England, defending champions Chelsea saw their attempt to claim consecutive crowns take a near-fatal blow as Real Madrid blew them away 3-1 with a Karim Benzema hat-trick. Thank goodness away goals are a thing of the past, eh?</p>

Do you remember the first time?

<p>...catches the team news?</p><p>Real Madrid are certainly eager to book their place if their lineup reveal is anything to go by - Los Blancos have already dropped their squad for today!</p><p>GOAL's newly minted Ballon d'Or Power Rankings leader Karim Benzema fronts up for the hosts, and he'll be looking to deliver a turn akin to the one that saw him run rampant at Stamford Bridge.</p><p>Here's how they'll line-up.</p><p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">📋✅ Our starting 𝗫𝗜 🆚 <a href="https://twitter.com/ChelseaFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChelseaFC</a>! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> <a href="https://t.co/YakehNI05U">pic.twitter.com/YakehNI05U</a></p>— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) <a href="https://twitter.com/realmadriden/status/1513925346730692618?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The early bird...

<p>Eight remain - but by this time tomorrow, plus a few hours, only four will be left in the hat to be called European champions.</p><p>Three Spanish sides, three English teams, one German heavyweight and a sole Portuguese representative are all who stay standing - but two of them will be going home today.</p><p>Who do you think it will be? Today's order of play is as follows:</p><p><strong>2000/15000: Bayern Munich v Villarreal<br>2000/15000: Real Madrid v Chelsea</strong></p><p><em>(All times BST/EST)</em></p>

Today's order of play

<p>Hello and welcome to <strong>GOAL </strong>Matchday Live - our rolling blog coverage of all the biggest beats and hottest games across Europe today!</p><p>But c'mon, who are we kidding? You're here for the juicy highlights of not one but two absolute monster clashes that will decide whcih pair of European giants make their way into the semi-finals of the game's biggest club competition, at least in the Northern Hemisphere.</p><p>So sit down, kick back and get ready to rock - it's Champions League quarter-final time!</p><p></p>

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