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Chelsea, Real in Champions League semis

Sports Desk |
Update: 2014-04-08 23:00:43
Chelsea, Real in Champions League semis

DHAKA: Demba Ba scored in the 87th minute to cap a comeback from a two-goal aggregate deficit, and Chelsea defeated Paris Saint-Germain 2-0 tonight to reach the Champions League semi-finals on away goals.

After a 3-1 Chelsea loss in the French capital last Wednesday, Andre Schuerrle began the comeback with a 32nd-minute goal. Ba entered in the 66th, and the only Parisian on the field stunned his hometown club by evening the aggregate 3-3 in the total-goals series, reports  the Associated Press.

An initial shot by Samuel Eto’o ricocheted to Cesar Azipilicueta. His shot got through the defence, perhaps deflecting off Alex, and Ba beat Maxwell to the ball and swept it past goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu with a left-footed shot from the top of the six-yard box.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, who improved to 8-0 in Champions League quarter-finals, sprinted down the side line to join his celebrating players at the corner flag. It came a decade after Mourinho’s memorable dash down the Old Trafford side line following Costinha’s 90th-minute goal that eliminated Manchester United during Porto’s run to the Champions League title.

PSG were eliminated in the quarter-finals on away goals for the second straight year, following a defeat to Barcelona.

In the night’s other match, Real Madrid reached the semi-finals for the fourth consecutive season with a 3-2 aggregate win following a 2-0 defeat at Borussia Dortmund.

With Real star Cristiano Ronaldo side-lined by a left-knee injury, Angel Di Maria failed to convert a penalty kick in the 17th minute. Dortmund closed on goals by Marco Reus in the 24th and 37th minutes, and Dortmund wasted several excellent opportunities in the second half, including a shot against a post.

Seeking a record 10th title, Real Madrid has lost in the semi-finals three straight times.

In tomorrow’s games, Atletico Madrid hosts Barcelona and defending champion Bayern Munich is home against Manchester United. Both first legs were 1-1.

BDST: 0855 HRS, APR 09, 2014

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