Report – Why Karim Benzema’s goal against Chelsea should not have stood

Report – Karim Benzema’s goal against Chelsea should not have counted

According to a report from Daily Mail, the equaliser that Karim Benzema scored against Chelsea should not have counted. Spanish media outlets were quick to point out that Casemiro fouled Cesar Azpilicueta in the build-up to the goal and hence it should not have stood.

In a high voltage game between Chelsea and Real Madrid, fans got what they wanted, at least in the first half that is. Chelsea wasted no time in taking it to their opponents in white as they managed to test Thibaut Courtois very early. While he denied Werner, he could not do the same when Pulisic rounded him off to give Chelsea the lead.

April 27, 2021, Madrid, Spain: Christian Pulisic of Chelsea FC celebrates a goal during the UEFA Champions League Semi Final First Leg match between Real Madrid and Chelsea at Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano in Madrid, Spain.

The goal jolted Real into life as Karim Benzema led from the front. In the 29th minute, Benzema pounced on a header from Casemiro in the box. The Frenchman controlled it on his head and the ball floated nicely for him to lash a volley just past Mendy in goal.

However, replays clearly showed that Casemiro, while he won the initial header, looked to have jumped on Azpilicueta from behind. It does look like a foul but the referee did not call so and did not consult the VAR either.

April 27, 2021, Madrid, Spain: Casemiro of Real Madrid during the UEFA Champions League Semi Final First Leg match between Real Madrid and Chelsea at Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano in Madrid, Spain.

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It was actually surprising that Chelsea players did not protest against this much and allowed the goal to go through. Nonetheless, on closer introspection, this should not have stood, however good the effort from Benzema might have been.