On one of Spain’s most hallowed soccer grounds, Chelsea came close to discovering the proper English translation of La Remontada—that is, until Karim Benzema tormented the Blues once again.

After Benzema’s 25-minute hat trick at Stamford Bridge seemed to bury the defending European champion with a 3–1 aggregate, Chelsea made sure to bring some away fireworks of its own by forcing extra time. 

But in the 96th minute, Benzema added to his legend with the match-winner in an epic Champions League tie that will go down in history. 

Mason Mount kicked off the Chelsea comeback in the 15th minute when he followed up Timo Werner’s chipped pass by curling a shot into the back of the net to heap pressure on Real Madrid. 

Coming out of the halftime break, Chelsea looked determined for an equalizer and found it courtesy of Antonio Rüdiger. 

On a corner in the 51st minute, Mount found the center back with a pinpoint cross as Rüdiger delivered with a powerful header to add a massive spark to Chelsea’s comeback attempt.  

Just minutes later, the Blues ran off into the corner in raucous celebration after Marcos Alonso appeared to give Chelsea the aggregate lead.

But after a VAR review, the match officials called off the goal as Alonso appeared to handle the ball before sending the chance into the back of the net with a powerful volley.