With 20 goals in 26 appearances against English competition, it should have come as no surprise that Karim Benzema put his name on the scoresheet for Real Madrid on Wednesday evening. With four goals across two matches against Chelsea specifically just one year ago, the west London side were all too aware of the danger.
When Wesley Fofana's weak challenge left Vinicius Jr with an opportunity on goal, Kepa could only direct the ball to Real Madrid's star forward to tap in. Both Fofana and Thiago Silva raised their arms hopefully dreaming of an offside decision before the Brazilian veteran appeared to open his arms in the direction of his young teammate to send some stern words in his direction.
Chelsea knew the danger and made a mistake that allowed Benzema to take his opportunity, something the Blues themselves have been all too poor at doing over the course of 2022/23.
READ MORE: Real Madrid vs Chelsea highlights as Karim Benzema scores and Ben Chilwell sent off
Ahead of the quarter-final clash in 2022, Thomas Tuchel lauded the French forward. He said: "He absolutely deserves everything that has happened to him, he has been how many years as the number nine for Real Madrid, and that speaks for itself. And how he carries responsibility, in the last stage for them. What a key part he plays for them as a captain now, it's very impressive."
The difference Real Madrid had up front was stark then and it remains so now. The Blues travelled to Madrid unable to select an out-and-out forward with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, David Datro Fofana and Armando Broja ineligible, albeit the latter due to a season-ending injury.
Kai Havertz has led the line for the much of the season but was anonymous against Wolves and has only on occasion looked like a long-term solution in the position, and had to settle for a place on the bench. The former Bayer Leverkusen only entered the field as Chelsea appeared to attempt to shut up shop following Ben Chilwell's red card.
Kepa was left in an impossible position when making his save against Vinicius but that did not spare him an in-depth critique from many - questioning his ability for palming to Benzema. The critics perhaps felt vindicated in moments of the restart as Thibaut Courtois pulled off a strong save to deny Raheem Sterling an equaliser and when Kepa was beaten by Marco Asensio's strike from distance in the second period.
Again, Courtois provided a stark difference in 2022 too, as he pulled off outstanding saves to a less than complimentary soundtrack from Chelsea supporters, while Edouard Mendy's first leg error left the Blues struggling from the outset. While the Belgian stopper has been undisputed, Mendy and Kepa have exchanged positions in the Blues goal over the last two seasons.
Both now are set to enter the final two years of their deal, a pivotal point moving forward for a Chelsea hierarchy hopeful of not letting contracts run down below that point. With contract talks not progressing for Mendy, there is a possibility one or both could be sold, with the club's intention to find a new goalkeeper.
While Chelsea were 2021s champions taking on their successors, it was clear one team looked more complete than the other.
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