Champions League Semi Final: Chelsea Vs Real Madrid

This past week we had the first leg of the Uefa Champions League Semi Finals. We are going to highlight the game between Chelsea and Real Madrid, as Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic became the first American to score in the UCL semi finals. 

Christians Pulisic’s Career

Christian Pulisic has become the star and gem of the U.S Men’s National Team for a few years now, and he has been fulfilling those expectations everyone in the States had for him. Christian made his name in Germany, playing for Borussia Dortmund, making his debut at 17 years old. 

He was also at the time the youngest ever goal scorer in the Bundesliga for Borussia Dortmund. He then later had his big money move to Stamford Bridge to play for Chelsea. From his first day in London, he already had massive boots to fill, as he was set to take over Eden Hazard after Hazard’s move to Real Madrid. 

It is safe to say that Pulisic has not yet reached the levels that Eden Hazard once had at Chelsea. However it is not to say that Pulisic has been a disappointment. He has contributed to 19 goals since he’s moved to London. However, injuries have played a huge part in why those stats aren’t as high as he was producing in Germany. 

Pulisic has only played 48 games since moving to Chelsea. He is currently averaging 2.5 goal contributions a game, which are outstanding numbers for a winger. Apart from his goal contributions, Pulisic also contributes a lot on the counter attack as well as running in behind the defense, as seen in the game against Real Madrid. 

Pulisic Vs Real Madrid

Against Real Madrid, Pulisic took advantage of his blistering pace to run behind the high defensive line of Real Madrid. Antonio Rudiger sent a ball behind Real Madrid’s defence. Pulisic then controlled the ball, as he rounded the keeper and put the ball past an open net. 

This was a massive goal for both Pulisic and Chelsea. This goal gives Chelsea a huge advantage going into the reverse leg against Real Madrid as it is an away goal for “The Blues”. 

For Pulisic this is a massive goal as he now becomes the first American player to score in the Champions League Semi Finals. Also, if Chelsea manage to knock out Real Madrid, Pulisic will also become the second American player to appear in a Champions League Final. Pulisic is still very young but yet still plays with lots of maturity for his age. He will no doubt have a big influence in both Chelsea and the USMNT for years to come.