Azpilicute and Eden Hazard react after Chelsea play1-1 draw with Real Madrid.
Real Madrid 1-1 Chelsea.
Chelsea captain César Azpilicueta was pleased with how they performed against LaLiga giants Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final on Tuesday night.
The west London club will take an away goal back to Stamford Bridge as their quest to seal a spot in the Champions League final remains in the balance.
Christian Pulisic broke the deadlock with a calm finish in the 14th minute but the goal was cancelled out by Karim Benzema's volley as Real Madrid held their opponents to a 1-1 draw.
Thomas Tuchel’s Blues dominated most of the game at the rain-soaked Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano but failed to advantage of several opportunities created in the first half.
However, Azpilicueta took the positives from the game, saying they are all improving.
The Spain international BT Sport: "I think we started really well for the first 20-25 minutes, we got the goal and I think we could have scored more. They got back from a set play.
"It is just the first half, we knew against Real Madrid it would be tough.
"We started with courage, we had to perform at our best level. The semi-final of a Champions League asks you to play your best. We missed that little last pass where we could choose the best option.
"I think in the overall analysis we performed well.
"Benzema scored a great goal, he is a very good striker. He dropped, he got the ball and got that goal. We have to be aware for the next game.
"As a unit, I think we are all improving and all growing."
Ex-Chelsea forward Eden Hazard, who came on as a sub, admitted it was 'good to play against friends'.
The Real Madrid star said: "It could be better and it could be worse! We will go there looking for the win.
"I am just going step by step, of course I want to play, I want to be on the pitch. I played a bit more today than before, we have games before the end of the season and I want to be ready. I am just happy to be playing again. It's always good to play against friends. Now I am a Real Madrid player so I just want to win.
When quizzed about the 3-5-2 formation Zinedine Zidane deployed on the night, the Belgian replied: "The manager decides what formation we play, we know how to play with three at the back but we can also play with four."
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