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Marco Asensio scored a record ninth UEFA Champions League goal off the bench in Real Madrid's 2-0 quarterfinal first leg win at home against Chelsea on Wednesday (April 12).
The Spanish playmaker was brought on in the 71st minute for Rodrygo Goes, with Madrid leading 1-0. Asensio made an instant impact, scoring three minutes three minutes later to take a 2-0 lead to the second leg.
Real Madrid executed a short corner that was played to the edge of the box by Vinicius Junior. The pass fell perfectly for Asensio, who slotted the ball between Wesley Fofana's legs and beyond Kepa Arrizabalaga's reach.
According to ESPNFC, this was the 27-year-old's ninth Champions League goal from the bench. No player in the history of the competition has more. He has scored 12 goals in 56 games in the competition, winning the title three times with Los Blancos.
Asensio is used to being named on the bench for Real Madrid recently. Manager Carlo Ancelotti has handed the Spain international just 12 starts across competitions this campaign.
A lack of game time could be a major reason behind Asensio not signing a new contract with Real Madrid yet. He could leave as a free agent once his deal at the Santiago Bernabeu expires this summer. Liverpool have been named as potential suitors as they aim to replace the departing Roberto Firmino.
Chelsea's goal-scoring woes continue in Real Madrid loss
Chelsea are yet to score since Graham Potter's sacking following their 2-0 league loss at home against Aston Villa on April 1.
They have played three games across competitions since then, including a goalless draw against Liverpool and a 1-0 defeat against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League.
Goals have been tough to come by all season for the West London giants, who have mustered a paltry 29 goals in 30 Premier League games. None of their players have hit double-digit figures for goals across competitions this season.
Only Raheem Sterling (seven) and Kai Havertz (nine) have scored more than thrice during that period, highlighting how poor Chelsea have been going forward. They will have to score at least twice at Stamford Bridge against the holders next Tuesday (April 18) to have any hopes of qualification.
Chelsea are 11th in the Premier League, trailing fourth-placed Manchester United by 17 points but have a game in hand. Winning the Champions League this term is their only realistic hope of qualifying for the competition next season.
