Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema scored another Champions League hat-trick as the Spanish side <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/football/2022/04/06/holders-chelsea-crushed-by-karim-benzemas-hat-trick-in-champions-league-rout/" target="_blank">defeated Chelsea 3-1 </a>in Wednesday's quarter-final first leg at Stamford Bridge. The 34-year-old Frenchman, who netted a <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/football/2022/03/10/real-madrid-v-psg-player-ratings-benzema-95-vinicius-junior-8-marquinhos-3-mbappe-9/" target="_blank">treble to knock Paris Saint-Germain out in the last-16</a>, repeated the trick in London. He notched two brilliant first-half headers – after perfect balls into the box by the excellent Vinicius Junior and Luka Modric – and should have grabbed a third when he shot wide when well placed with his easiest chance before the break. Chelsea, though, were given a lifeline after 40 minutes when Kai Havertz headed home a fine pass from Jorginho. But their hopes of making a quick impact after the break were blown away when goalkeeper Edouard Mendy's poor pass seconds after the restart gifted Benzema an easy third. Romelu Lukaku missed two headed opportunities after coming on in the second half leaving Chelsea with a mountain to climb when the two teams meet again at the Bernabeu next Tuesday. You can see our player ratings from Wednesday's match in the gallery above. To move on to the next photo, click on the arrows or if using a mobile device, simply swipe.