Real Madrid Fans’ Upset: Revisiting the Chelsea Champions League Loss

Intermediate | July 23, 2025

✨ Read the article aloud on your own or repeat each paragraph after your tutor.

A Memorable Upset: The 2020-2021 Semifinals

When Hopes Were Dashed

Real Madrid’s Reputation in Europe

Real Madrid, a club known for its consistent success in the UEFA Champions League, has faced moments of significant disappointment. One match in particular still stands out to fans today: the Real Madrid Chelsea Upset of the 2020–2021 season.

The First Leg in Madrid

One particular event that deeply affected their fans was the elimination by Chelsea in the 2020-2021 Champions League semifinals. The journey began with a 1-1 draw in the first leg played in Madrid on April 27, 2021. This result set the stage for a tense return leg.

Chelsea’s Decisive Victory

However, the second leg on May 5, 2021, at Stamford Bridge, proved decisive. Chelsea secured a clear 2-0 victory, leading to a 3-1 aggregate score that sealed Real Madrid’s exit from the competition.

Fan Reactions and Criticisms

Fans widely criticized Real Madrid’s performance, describing it as “very poor.” Many felt the team “barely managed to trouble Chelsea” and questioned tactical errors by then-coach Zinedine Zidane. Supporters were also distressed by the team’s apparent lack of fight, noting they seemed “too tired” and did not “go out fighting.”

The Eden Hazard Controversy

Adding to the fan’s upset, former Chelsea player Eden Hazard, then playing for Real Madrid, was seen happily talking with his old teammates after the match, which many saw as insensitive.

Beyond One Loss: A Rivalry’s Emotions

Ups and Downs in Recent Encounters

A Dramatic Rematch in 2021-2022

While the 2020-2021 semi-final remains the most prominent source of upset stemming from a definitive loss to Chelsea, Real Madrid has had other dramatic encounters. In the 2021-2022 Champions League quarterfinals, for instance, Real Madrid eventually triumphed with a 5-4 aggregate win. However, the second leg was incredibly dramatic, with Chelsea leading 3-0 at one point, causing immense anxiety among Real Madrid supporters before Karim Benzema’s late heroics.

Recent Domination in 2022-2023

More recently, in the 2022-2023 Champions League quarterfinals, Real Madrid comfortably won 4-0 on aggregate against Chelsea.

Lingering Emotional Impact

Despite these later victories, the memory of the Real Madrid Chelsea Upset in the 2020-2021 semifinal continues to resonate with fans as a period of significant emotional distress and upset, highlighting the intense rivalry between these two European giants.

Vocabulary

Upset (noun): A feeling of unhappiness, disappointment, or annoyance.
- Example: “The surprise loss caused great upset among the team’s supporters.”
Crucial (adjective): Extremely important or necessary.
- Example: “Winning this match is crucial for our chances to reach the final.”
Eliminated (verb): To remove or get rid of someone or something, especially from a competition.
- Example: “Our team was eliminated from the tournament in the first round.”
Aggregate (noun): A total amount or score made up of several smaller amounts or scores.
- Example: “They won the semi-final on a 4-2 aggregate score.”
Decisive (adjective): Settling an issue or producing a definite result.
- Example: “The player scored the decisive goal in the final minutes.”
Progression (noun): The process of developing or moving gradually towards a more advanced state.
- Example: “Their progression to the next round was well-deserved.”
Criticized (verb): To indicate the faults of (someone or something) in a disapproving way.
- Example: “The coach was heavily criticized for the team’s poor tactics.”
Tactical (adjective): Relating to or constituting a plan or procedure for achieving an end.
- Example: “The manager made some smart tactical changes during the game.”
Distress (noun): Extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain.
- Example: “News of the defeat caused great distress among the fans.”
Resonate (verb): To evoke or suggest images, memories, and emotions.
- Example: “The old song still resonates deeply with many people.”

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

What was the specific Champions League match that caused the most significant upset for Real Madrid fans, according to the article?
How did the fans describe Real Madrid’s performance in the 2020-2021 semifinal second leg?
What was one controversial action by former Chelsea player Eden Hazard that upset Real Madrid supporters?
Did Real Madrid always lose to Chelsea in recent Champions League encounters mentioned? Explain.
What emotions did the 2021-2022 quarter-final second leg against Chelsea cause for Real Madrid fans, despite their eventual victory?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

Why do you think sports fans become so emotionally invested in their teams’ performance?
How do losses, especially in crucial matches, affect fan loyalty and support for a team?
What are some common ways fans show their disappointment after a big loss?
Do you think players have a responsibility to manage their post-match interactions, especially with former teammates, to avoid upsetting fans? Why or why not?
What is the significance of a “rivalry” in sports, and how does it intensify emotions for fans?

Related Idiom

Go out fighting

Meaning: To continue to make an effort and try to win or succeed until the very end, even when it seems impossible.
Example: “Despite being behind by three goals, the team decided to go out fighting in the second half.”

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This article was inspired by: July 14, 2025 – X.com Post