Real Madrid’s goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois reportedly told his teammate and captain Karim Benzema to switch ends against Chelsea ahead of kick-off last week.
Spanish giants Madrid took control of their Champions League quarter-final tie by winning the first leg 3-1 against Chelsea, which was even more impressive considering they were away from home and playing at Stamford Bridge.
It means Thomas Tuchel’s Blues must now travel to the Bernabeu tomorrow night with a two-goal deficit to try overturn. They’ll do so without injured striker Romelu Lukaku, too.
Courtois, who spent several years as a Chelsea player and was successful in his time, used some inside knowledge against his former employers in last Wednesday’s match.
The Athletic explains the 29-year-old told Madrid skipper Benzema to swap ends at the coin toss with the referee.
Courtois reportedly informed that Chelsea prefer to attack the Matthew Harding End in the second half, so Benzema made them do the opposite at the coin flip.
In addition Madrid’s goalkeeper wanted to play in front of the more hostile Matthew Harding End in the opening 45 minutes as he expected a rough reception. In fairness, the ex-Blues star got exactly that with loads of boos and jeers throughout.
Courtois certainly left West London with the last laugh after receiving plenty of stick and will be much happier playing in front of a home fanbase this week. Meanwhile, hat-trick hero Benzema thoroughly enjoyed his trip to England.
Believe Chelsea fans
There’s no point turning up if the Blues don’t think there’s a chance of qualifying against Madrid.
The odds are against Chelsea, but this is a special group under Tuchel that are the reigning champions of Europe.
It’s imperative they get the opening goal of the contest to have any chance of progressing, so dealing with the early intensity that the Bernabeu can create is important.
Any motivation can be found from the fact that Madrid lost 4-0 at home to Barcelona last month.
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