UCL: Real Madrid, Chelsea Advance to Quarter-finals
Wins for Chelsea and Real Madri saw them cruise into the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals, seeing off Galatasaray 3-1 and Schalke 9-2 respectively on aggregate.
Didier Drogba’s return to Stamford Bridge ended in defeat as the Blues overcame the Turkish champions 2-0. Jose Mourinho warned of a dangerous tie poised 1-1 after the first leg in Istanbul three weeks ago, but four minutes into the second leg his side regained the advantage before advancing into Friday’s last-eight draw with ease.
Drogba, scorer of 157 goals in 341 appearances over eight years for the Blues, including the decisive penalty in the 2012 European Cup win, was expected to be the main protagonist of the contest but it was the other African striker, Samuel Eto’o who found the net with the first attack. Cahill completed the win by capitalising on the remainder of a saved corner taken by Lampard.
In Spain, A brace from Cristiano Ronaldo – his 40th and 41st goals of the season – and one for Alvaro Morata sealed a 3-1 victory on the night after their 6-1 victory in the first leg three weeks ago.
Madrid’s young forward, Jese however suffered a suspected anterior cruciate ligament injury in an innocuous tussle with Sead Kolasinac inside two minutes. The unfortunate Spain Under-21 international was replaced by Gareth Bale who gave two assists on the night.