A hat-trick by veteran striker Karim Benzema, including two fine headed goals in the space of three first-half minutes, earned Real Madrid a 3-1 win at reigning European champions Chelsea in their Champions League quarter-final first leg on Wednesday.

Benzema, 34, claimed his hat-trick when he pounced on an error by Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy just after halftime to put the Spaniards in control of the tie before Tuesday's second leg in Madrid.

Kai Havertz had restored some hope to the Blues when he headed in an angled pass from Jorginho in the 40th minute to make it 2-1.

But Chelsea's chances of a comeback were undone by Mendy's mistake in the 46th minute when, outside his box, he tried to pass to Antonio Rudiger only for Benzema to intercept and steer the ball into an empty net for his 37th goal of the season.

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The France striker rocked Chelsea when he converted pinpoint crosses with headers, first from Vinicius Jr from the left in the 21st minute and then from Luka Modric on the right in the 24th, leaving Mendy with no chance on either occasion.

Benzema had looked certain to claim his hat-trick just before halftime but he fired wide with Chelsea's usually rock-solid defence looking ragged.

"They're very important goals. I'm happiest to have scored the third as I missed one in the first half and I was thinking about that chance because it's very important to score goals. Then I got another and I’m very happy," Benzema told Spanish television.

"Today we came out to win, to show we're Real Madrid. Things worked out well for us as we played well, from the first minute to the last."

The Spaniards were seeking revenge after the Londoners eliminated them in last season's semi-finals before the Blues won the trophy in Porto.

There was an early warning sign for the Londoners when Vinicius Jr cracked a shot against the bar in the 10th minute.

Chelsea sought to fight back in the second half with the best chance falling to substitute Romelu Lukaku - Chelsea's record signing who has struggled to fit in at Stamford Bridge - but he headed narrowly wide as a deflected ball dropped to him on the edge of the six-yard box in the 69th minute.

In the dying moments, Hakim Ziyech, also on as a sub, fired over from 13 yards.

Real - who have been crowned European champions 13 times but had never previously beaten Chelsea - are now in pole position to advance into the semi-finals to face either Manchester City or crosstown rivals Atletico Madrid.

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Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti, who spent two years as Chelsea head coach and led the Blues to the Premier League and FA Cup double in the 2009/10 season, hailed his team's control of the game and the danger they posed on the counterattack.

"It was a good night but it is only the first half of this round," he was quoted as saying by the BBC.

Chelsea's defeat adds to a sense of turmoil with the club put up for sale by Roman Abramovich after Russia`s invasion of Ukraine, which Moscow calls a "special military operation."

The Russian billionaire has been sanctioned by the British government. 
Chelsea coach Thomas Tuchel said his team had been way off the levels he expects.

"You cannot expect a result from this kind of performance," he told reporters.

A hat-trick by veteran striker Karim Benzema, including two fine headed goals in the space of three first-half minutes, earned Real Madrid a 3-1 win at reigning European champions Chelsea in their Champions League quarter-final first leg on Wednesday.

A hat-trick by veteran striker Karim Benzema, including two fine headed goals in the space of three first-half minutes, earned Real Madrid a 3-1 win at reigning European champions Chelsea in their Champions League quarter-final first leg on Wednesday. Benzema, 34, claimed his hat-trick when he pounced on an error by Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy just after halftime to put the Spaniards in control of the tie before Tuesday's second leg in Madrid. Kai Havertz had restored some hope to the Blues when he headed in an angled pass from Jorginho in the 40th minute to make it 2-1. But Chelsea's chances of a comeback were undone by Mendy's mistake in the 46th minute when, outside his box, he tried to pass to Antonio Rudiger only for Benzema to intercept and steer the ball into an empty net for his 37th goal of the season. ALSO READ: Argentina legend Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' shirt likely to fetch $5.23 million at auction The France striker rocked Chelsea when he converted pinpoint crosses with headers, first from Vinicius Jr from the left in the 21st minute and then from Luka Modric on the right in the 24th, leaving Mendy with no chance on either occasion. Benzema had looked certain to claim his hat-trick just before halftime but he fired wide with Chelsea's usually rock-solid defence looking ragged. "They're very important goals. I'm happiest to have scored the third as I missed one in the first half and I was thinking about that chance because it's very important to score goals. Then I got another and I’m very happy," Benzema told Spanish television. "Today we came out to win, to show we're Real Madrid. Things worked out well for us as we played well, from the first minute to the last." The Spaniards were seeking revenge after the Londoners eliminated them in last season's semi-finals before the Blues won the trophy in Porto. There was an early warning sign for the Londoners when Vinicius Jr cracked a shot against the bar in the 10th minute. Chelsea sought to fight back in the second half with the best chance falling to substitute Romelu Lukaku - Chelsea's record signing who has struggled to fit in at Stamford Bridge - but he headed narrowly wide as a deflected ball dropped to him on the edge of the six-yard box in the 69th minute. In the dying moments, Hakim Ziyech, also on as a sub, fired over from 13 yards. Real - who have been crowned European champions 13 times but had never previously beaten Chelsea - are now in pole position to advance into the semi-finals to face either Manchester City or crosstown rivals Atletico Madrid. ALSO READ: Players must keep their cool in return leg, says Man City manager Pep Guardiola after 1-0 win vs Atletico Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti, who spent two years as Chelsea head coach and led the Blues to the Premier League and FA Cup double in the 2009/10 season, hailed his team's control of the game and the danger they posed on the counterattack. "It was a good night but it is only the first half of this round," he was quoted as saying by the BBC. Chelsea's defeat adds to a sense of turmoil with the club put up for sale by Roman Abramovich after Russia`s invasion of Ukraine, which Moscow calls a "special military operation." The Russian billionaire has been sanctioned by the British government. Chelsea coach Thomas Tuchel said his team had been way off the levels he expects. "You cannot expect a result from this kind of performance," he told reporters.

UEFA Champions League: Karim Benzema scores hat-trick as Real Madrid stun Chelsea 3-1

Liverpool took their chances to earn a 3-1 victory at Benfica in their UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg on Tuesday.

The Premier League team scored twice in the first half to take command of this quarter-final tie before Luis Diaz grabbed a late clincher.

Liverpool had won all four away games in the competition this season and were quickly into their stride, Odisseas Vlachodimos thwarting Mohamed Salah early on before the Reds made the breakthrough in the 17th minute when Ibrahima Konate headed in his first UEFA Champions League goal from Andy Robertson's corner.

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The difference in ruthlessness in the first half was summed up when Nicolas Otamendi glanced Benfica's first chance wide and the visitors responded by doubling their lead shortly after.

Sadio Mane tapped in after Luis Diaz had met Trent Alexander-Arnold`s raking pass with a cushioned header.

Home coach Nelson Verissimo rallied his side at the break, though, and they prised a foothold in the contest in the 49th minute when talisman Darwin Nunez pounced after Konate failed to cut out Rafa Silva's cross.

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The Reds then soaked up further pressure from the home side and struck late on when Naby Keita slipped Diaz through the centre as the former Porto midfielder coolly skipped past Vlachodimos to add a crucial third goal.

Liverpool took their chances to earn a 3-1 victory at Benfica in their UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg on Tuesday. The Premier League team scored twice in the first half to take command of this quarter-final tie before Luis Diaz grabbed a late clincher.

Liverpool took their chances to earn a 3-1 victory at Benfica in their UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg on Tuesday. The Premier League team scored twice in the first half to take command of this quarter-final tie before Luis Diaz grabbed a late clincher. Liverpool had won all four away games in the competition this season and were quickly into their stride, Odisseas Vlachodimos thwarting Mohamed Salah early on before the Reds made the breakthrough in the 17th minute when Ibrahima Konate headed in his first UEFA Champions League goal from Andy Robertson's corner. ALSO READ: Wayne Rooney picks Mauricio Pochettino over Erik ten Hag for next Manchester United manager The difference in ruthlessness in the first half was summed up when Nicolas Otamendi glanced Benfica's first chance wide and the visitors responded by doubling their lead shortly after. Sadio Mane tapped in after Luis Diaz had met Trent Alexander-Arnold`s raking pass with a cushioned header. Home coach Nelson Verissimo rallied his side at the break, though, and they prised a foothold in the contest in the 49th minute when talisman Darwin Nunez pounced after Konate failed to cut out Rafa Silva's cross. ALSO READ: La Liga: Karim Benzema scores brace as Real Madrid register thrilling 2-1 win against Celta Vigo The Reds then soaked up further pressure from the home side and struck late on when Naby Keita slipped Diaz through the centre as the former Porto midfielder coolly skipped past Vlachodimos to add a crucial third goal.

UEFA Champions League: Semi-final spot in sight as Liverpool thrash Benfica 3-1

Portugal survived a nervy finale to move one step closer to reaching the World Cup with a 3-1 win over Turkey, who missed a late penalty that could have forced extra time in their playoff semi-final on Thursday.

Roared on by a sold-out Dragao Stadium in Porto, Portugal dominated the game from the start and went 2-0 up in the first half after Otavio scored one goal and created another for Diogo Jota.

But Fernando Santos's side were pegged back by a Burak Yilmaz goal in 65th minute that put the Portuguese fans on the edge of their seats as Turkey started to threaten.

Defender Jose Fonte then fouled Enes Unal inside the area in the 85th minute to concede a penalty but Yilmaz fired his effort high over the bar.

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Portugal substitute Matheus Nunes then relieved the pressure on the hosts in added time with their third goal from a counter attack.

"I wasn't upset with the team but we played with fire today," Santos told reporters.

"We had the game under control but slowed down. Obviously the players are not machines, we didn't manage to score for 3-0 and those things can happen in football. But I'm glad we reacted very well. That moment (the penalty) could have been difficult for us."

After missing out on automatic qualification in November, Portugal will now host North Macedonia on Tuesday with the winner qualifying for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Portugal would have been expecting to face Italy, but they were shocked in a 1-0 defeat to North Macedonia in the other semi-final in Palermo, depriving fans of a highly anticipated face-off between the last two European champions.

Portugal started strongly, scoring twice in the first half with the result looking like a foregone conclusion going into the break.

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Brazilian-born Porto midfielder Otavio, a surprise inclusion in the starting team, provided Portugal’s main attacking threat.

He scored from a rebound in the 15th minute after a Bernardo Silva shot came back off the post and just before halftime, he crossed from the right flank for Jota to aim an unstoppable header into the net.

But Portugal took their foot off the gas in the second half and allowed the visitors to get into the game.

Yilmaz scored following a one-two with Cengiz Under and had the chance to equalise from the spot after the video assistant referee spotted a foul in the penalty area, but sent his effort soaring high over the bar.

Portugal survived a nervy finale to move one step closer to reaching the World Cup with a 3-1 win over Turkey, who missed a late penalty that could have forced extra time in their playoff semi-final on Thursday.

Portugal survived a nervy finale to move one step closer to reaching the World Cup with a 3-1 win over Turkey, who missed a late penalty that could have forced extra time in their playoff semi-final on Thursday. Roared on by a sold-out Dragao Stadium in Porto, Portugal dominated the game from the start and went 2-0 up in the first half after Otavio scored one goal and created another for Diogo Jota. But Fernando Santos's side were pegged back by a Burak Yilmaz goal in 65th minute that put the Portuguese fans on the edge of their seats as Turkey started to threaten. Defender Jose Fonte then fouled Enes Unal inside the area in the 85th minute to concede a penalty but Yilmaz fired his effort high over the bar. ALSO READ: AC Milan owners Elliott Management join Nick Candy-led Blue Football consortium in bid for Chelsea Portugal substitute Matheus Nunes then relieved the pressure on the hosts in added time with their third goal from a counter attack. "I wasn't upset with the team but we played with fire today," Santos told reporters. "We had the game under control but slowed down. Obviously the players are not machines, we didn't manage to score for 3-0 and those things can happen in football. But I'm glad we reacted very well. That moment (the penalty) could have been difficult for us." After missing out on automatic qualification in November, Portugal will now host North Macedonia on Tuesday with the winner qualifying for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Portugal would have been expecting to face Italy, but they were shocked in a 1-0 defeat to North Macedonia in the other semi-final in Palermo, depriving fans of a highly anticipated face-off between the last two European champions. Portugal started strongly, scoring twice in the first half with the result looking like a foregone conclusion going into the break. ALSO READ: Substitute Kaoru Mitoma's brace sends Japan, Saudi Arabia to World Cup finals Brazilian-born Porto midfielder Otavio, a surprise inclusion in the starting team, provided Portugal’s main attacking threat. He scored from a rebound in the 15th minute after a Bernardo Silva shot came back off the post and just before halftime, he crossed from the right flank for Jota to aim an unstoppable header into the net. But Portugal took their foot off the gas in the second half and allowed the visitors to get into the game. Yilmaz scored following a one-two with Cengiz Under and had the chance to equalise from the spot after the video assistant referee spotted a foul in the penalty area, but sent his effort soaring high over the bar.

Portugal survive Turkey scare to move closer to World Cup

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick in a 3-1 win over Leganes on Saturday which took the Catalans 12 points clear at the top of La Liga and also meant they equalled a Spanish top-flight record of 38 games without defeat.

Messi curled in from a free kick to break the deadlock in the 27th minute. Five minutes later the Argentine doubled the lead, taking one touch to control a through ball from Philippe Coutinho before delivering a cool low finish.

Nabil El Zhar pulled a goal back for 14th-placed Leganes in the 68th minute. However, Messi made sure&nbsp;Barca&nbsp;kept all the points by hitting his third with three minutes left, controlling the ball on his chest and calmly chipping goalkeeper Ivan Cuellar from close range.

Barca&nbsp;have not lost in the league since going down 2-0 at Malaga on April 8 last year and the win saw them match Real Sociedad's unbeaten run between 1979 and 1980. Ernesto Valverde's side are also undefeated in the Champions League this campaign.

"It's a historic record which gives you an idea of how competitive the team is," Valverde told a news conference, stressing that the record also belongs to predecessor Luis Enrique, who oversaw the first seven games of the unbeaten run at the end of last season.

"I can't explain how we have done it, all we try and do is focus on always winning the next game."

The Catalans are top of La Liga with 79 points after 31 games and have a 12-point advantage over second-placed Atletico Madrid, who visit champions Real Madrid in a local derby on Sunday.

Despite the huge margin his side have at the top, Valverde continued to resist talk about his side being champions-elect.

"When you start to feel like you are the champions, that's the moment you begin to make a mistake," he said.

"We still haven't won anything and there's still a danger we won't win it. We have to keep fighting until the end, just like our other rivals."

Sevilla suffered a humiliating 4-0 defeat at Celta Vigo as their former striker Iago Aspas struck a hat-trick in a rampant second-half display.

Spain forward Aspas scored all his goals in the space of 21 minutes, taking his La Liga goal tally this season to 19.

Sevilla's 20-year-old defender Guilherme Arana bundled the ball into his own net to put the home side ahead towards the end of the first half and Vincenzo Montella's side fell apart after the interval.

Sevilla are seventh in the standings and will drop down to eighth and out of the European places if Girona win at Real Sociedad on Sunday.

Real Betis climbed up to fifth and edged closer to a return to European football next season by beating Eibar 2-0 at home, while Alaves beat Getafe 2-0.

Barca are now unbeaten in 38 games, matching Real Sociedad's unbeaten run between 1979 and 1980

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick in a 3-1 win over Leganes on Saturday which took the Catalans 12 points clear at the top of La Liga and also meant they equalled a Spanish top-flight record of 38 games without defeat. Messi curled in from a free kick to break the deadlock in the 27th minute. Five minutes later the Argentine doubled the lead, taking one touch to control a through ball from Philippe Coutinho before delivering a cool low finish. Nabil El Zhar pulled a goal back for 14th-placed Leganes in the 68th minute. However, Messi made sure Barca kept all the points by hitting his third with three minutes left, controlling the ball on his chest and calmly chipping goalkeeper Ivan Cuellar from close range. Barca have not lost in the league since going down 2-0 at Malaga on April 8 last year and the win saw them match Real Sociedad's unbeaten run between 1979 and 1980. Ernesto Valverde's side are also undefeated in the Champions League this campaign. "It's a historic record which gives you an idea of how competitive the team is," Valverde told a news conference, stressing that the record also belongs to predecessor Luis Enrique, who oversaw the first seven games of the unbeaten run at the end of last season. "I can't explain how we have done it, all we try and do is focus on always winning the next game." The Catalans are top of La Liga with 79 points after 31 games and have a 12-point advantage over second-placed Atletico Madrid, who visit champions Real Madrid in a local derby on Sunday. Despite the huge margin his side have at the top, Valverde continued to resist talk about his side being champions-elect. "When you start to feel like you are the champions, that's the moment you begin to make a mistake," he said. "We still haven't won anything and there's still a danger we won't win it. We have to keep fighting until the end, just like our other rivals." Sevilla suffered a humiliating 4-0 defeat at Celta Vigo as their former striker Iago Aspas struck a hat-trick in a rampant second-half display. Spain forward Aspas scored all his goals in the space of 21 minutes, taking his La Liga goal tally this season to 19. Sevilla's 20-year-old defender Guilherme Arana bundled the ball into his own net to put the home side ahead towards the end of the first half and Vincenzo Montella's side fell apart after the interval. Sevilla are seventh in the standings and will drop down to eighth and out of the European places if Girona win at Real Sociedad on Sunday. Real Betis climbed up to fifth and edged closer to a return to European football next season by beating Eibar 2-0 at home, while Alaves beat Getafe 2-0.

Messi scores hat-trick, Barca equal La Liga unbeaten record

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UEFA Champions League: Karim Benzema scores hat-trick as Real Madrid stun Chelsea 3-1

UEFA Champions League: Semi-final spot in sight as Liverpool thrash Benfica 3-1

Portugal survive Turkey scare to move closer to World Cup

Messi scores hat-trick, Barca equal La Liga unbeaten record