Courtois "completely sends" Havertz as Real Madrid star gets last laugh

Thibaut Courtois proved he isn't just a world-class shot-stopper by producing an outrageous 'Cruyff turn' to deceive Kai Havertz.

Chelsea almost staged an incredible Champions League comeback against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu and took a stunning 3-0 lead after trailing 3-1 from the first leg of the tie. But Los Blancos 'keeper Courtois, formerly of the Blues, eventually had the last laugh after being rocked by goals from Mason Mount, Antonio Rudiger and Timo Werner.

Luka Modric magically assisted Brazilian Rodrygo to level the tie before an extra-time header from star-man Karim Benzema sent the Spanish giants through. And on a frantic night, ice-cool Courtois was the calmest man in the iconic stadium as he sent fans wild with a sublime piece of skill.

Deep into extra-time with Chelsea chasing a fourth goal, Courtois showed ultimate composure to flick past onrushing German star Havertz. The risky trick left supporters purring as he averted the danger in style rather than making a panicked clearance under pressure.

The move left Real fans in awe in a game already filled with maximum tension. "Courtois sending Havertz back to Germany," one fan reacted. "Courtois… my heart dropped," another added.

"Courtois really said hold my beer to Ederson," one joked, relating to the Manchester City 'keeper's incredible calmness as he almost let in an own goal against Liverpool on Sunday.

The defeat left Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel gutted, with the German admitting: "These are the kind of defeats we can digest and swallow, because we left nothing to regret out there. We played what we wanted to play and showed the quality and character the team has."

"We deserved to go through, but it was not meant to be, we were simply unlucky. The full credit is for the players. "Unfortunately both of their goals today came from mistakes in the build-up. They took advantage of the mistakes with individual quality and over the two legs, we did too many of these big mistakes."

Carlo Ancelotti's Real side will now take on the winner of rivals Atletico Madrid and Pep Guardiola's City in the Champions League semi-finals. Courtois won two Premier League titles in his seven years at Chelsea but is hoping to add European silverware to his medal collection after a memorable victory over the Blues.

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