'Shameful': Champions League fans erupt after 'disgusting' moment

Chelsea forward Timo Werner has copped an absolutely bashing from fans on social media after a horror moment against Real Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final tie in the Spanish capital.

Madrid striker Karim Benzema's acrobatic equaliser cancelled out Christian Pulisic's historic goal for the Blues, who could and perhaps should have left Spain with a one goal advantage going into the decisive second leg in London.

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German international Werner was the main culprit for Chelsea after spurning two fantastic chances for the visitors.

However, it was his first half effort that found the outstretched leg of Madrid keeper Thibaut Courtois, that even Werner's manager Thomas Tuchel suggested he should have scored.

Pulisic's header back across goal found the German six yards out and directly in front of goal but Werner was unable to direct his side-footed volley past Courtois in the Madrid goal.

Tuchel's reaction on the sidelines said it all but it was nothing compared to the savage reaction from viewers on social media.

Benzema magic rescues Madrid

Despite Werner's inexplicable miss, Chelsea will still feel they have a slight advantage at 1-1 going into the second leg at home, but Madrid's experience in the latter stages of the Champions League makes the 13-time winners a dangerous proposition.

In the first Champions League match since the controversial European Super League folded last week amid widespread criticism, Chelsea got off to a fast start and had chances to add to their lead after Pulisic opened the scoring with a nice finish in the 14th minute.

It was the first goal conceded by Courtois in six hours and 44 minutes.

Real looked ragged and short on ideas but pulled level in the 29th with a moment of true class from the talismanic Benzema.

Chelsea looked the better side in the second half as well but could not break down Real again and then had to withstand some late pressure from the hosts, who visit Stamford Bridge in the second leg on May 5 looking to reach the final for a fifth time in eight years.

Manchester City host Paris Saint-Germain in the other semi-final first leg on Wednesday.

Real struggled early after a quizzical switch to three at the back for the visit of the Blues.

Werner should have scored before the game had even settled when he side-footed straight at Courtois.

Pulisic was in no mood to waste his own opening, however.

Antonio Rudiger's lofted ball caught Real out at the back, allowing Pulisic to spring whatever offside trap there was, power into the box, step round the on-rushing Courtois and powering the ball home.

Benzema produced the first threat for Real however, thundering a 20-yard effort against a post.

And the French striker then conjured an equaliser of the highest quality just before the half hour, cushioning a header to himself six yards out - then flashing a snap volley past the helpless Edouard Mendy.

Had Werner connected with Pulisic's teasing cross, Chelsea would have taken the lead again.

The Germany forward still found time to screw a shot wide of the near post when Mason Mount was lurking in the centre of the box.

"We should have scored a minimum one more (goal) in the first half. We had good control and good attacks. We were very confident and looked very strong," Blues manager Thomas Tuchel told BT Sport.

"The second half was a very tactical game, the speed and intensity dropped and we are a little bit tired."

with AAP

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