Real Madrid have one foot in the Champions League semi-finals after defeating Chelsea in their quarter-final first leg tie at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday evening.

Los Blancos emerged victorious largely thanks to a stunning display by their talisman, Karim Benzema.

Benzema scored two brilliant headers in the first-half.

After Havertz halved the deficit, Benzema then completed his hat-trick after capitalising on Edouard Mendy's error just after half-time.

There were no further goals as Real take a commanding 3-1 advantage into the second leg in Spain.

It was a highly satisfactory evening for Real's goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois.

Courtois was highly thought of during his seven-year spell with Chelsea.

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 06: Thibaut Courtois of Real Madrid reacts during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg One match between Chelsea FC and Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge on April 06, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

But he annoyed a lot of Chelsea supporters in the manner in which he left the club in 2018.

Courtois was booed by Chelsea supporters throughout the game. But he completely silenced the home fans with a tremendous save to deny Cesar Azpilicueta's screamer in the second half.

Just after Real restored their 3-1 lead, Azpilicueta fired a venomous strike at goal that looked destined for the top corner.

But Courtois produced a stunning one-handed save to tip the ball over the bar. It was a brilliant save and you can view it below...

Pure brilliance by Courtois. He was given a frosty reception by Chelsea fans but he responded by producing a truly world-class save.

View some reaction to the save below...

Real are now the overwhelming favourites to progress to the last four.

Benzema destroys Chelsea! Chelsea 1-3 Real Madrid match reaction | The Football Terrace

They welcome Chelsea to the Santiago Bernabeu for the return leg on Tuesday April 12.

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