CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Ancelotti praises Rodrygo goals

Real Madrid sealed their ticket to the Champions League semifinals with another 2-0 win in the second leg against Chelsea, thanks to a brace by Rodrygo.

Real Madrid breezed past Chelsea to make it to the Champions League semifinals with 2-0 wins in both legs of the quarterfinals. In the second leg on Tuesday, Real Madrid’s hero was Rodrygo, who scored both goals in the second half to secure their spot in the next round.

Ancelotti praises Rodrygo

Rodrygo opened the scoring with a goal in the 58th minute before tapping in the second in the 80th, putting Chelsea out of their misery to seal the victory. Coincidentally, all five of Rodyrgo’s goals in the knockout stages of the Champions League have come against English teams. Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti had high praise for the Brazilian after the match.

“Rodrygo’s match today wasn’t even as good as other matches because he has played some spectacular ones,” said Ancelotti. “But his effectiveness was extraordinary. The work he has done in other matches where he hasn’t scored made the difference despite not scoring. But today, he sealed the deal with two goals.”

Real Madrid will look to extend their record with a 15th Champions League title. They remain the team to beat in the tournament. In the semifinals, they will either face Manchester City or Bayern Munich. City have the 3-0 lead over Bayern heading into the second leg on Wednesday.

“We are delighted to play in another semi-final and will keep striving to reach the final,” said Ancelotti. “Reaching a semi-final is always a success because it allows you to dream of winning another Champions League and playing another final.”