(Football news) In 1985, legendary forward Juanito said that "90 minutes at the Bernabeu is a very long time". Almost 37 years later, Real Madrid led by Karim Karim Benzema proved it once again. Los Blancos lost the first leg in Paris by 1-0 courtesy of a 90th minute goal from Kylian Mbappe. Benzema notably wasn't fully fit for that game but he made up for it in the 2nd game.

The Santiago Bernabeu was electric with 61,000 people cheering on the Merengues. Two hours before the game, Madrid's bus was welcomed to loud chants and flares. Carlo Ancelotti's men started the game well, pressing high and stringing a few moves together but PSG regained control after a while. In the 39th minute, Neymar released Mbappe who scored from half a chance to give his side a 2-0 aggregate lead. Real Madrid looked to have dropped down towards the end of the first half but the 2nd half was a completely different story.

Real Madrid showed why they are 13 time European champions and undisputed kings of this competition. In the 57th minute, after Ancelotti brought on Eduardo Camavinga and Rodrygo, Real Madrid turned on the head with their high press and energy. Benzema pressed Gianluigi Donnarumma who made a mistake which Vinicius Jr pounced on to set up Benzema who pulled one goal back. Real Madrid continued knocking on the door as Paris struggled to keep hold of the ball. There were several complaints by PSG even after the game about a foul on their keeper but the referee wasn't interested.

Luka Modric carried the ball from his own box before setting up Benzema who scored a dramatic equaliser to set the Bernabéu on fire. The game looked set for extra time but Benzema had other ideas as he completed a sensational hat-trick straight from PSG's kickoff. Madrid ended up winning 3-1 on the night and 3-2 on aggregate in what was one of the most iconic nights at the legendary Santiago Bernabeu stadium. The fact that Real Madrid won so emphatically despite missing two of their most important players in Casemiro and Ferland Mendy makes it even more special.

PSG quite simply bottled it once again despite having the best team on paper. As soon as the situation got tricky, Neymar and Lionel Messi quite simply disappeared. The Merengues showed incredible grit which PSG seriously lacked and which is why they have never won this competition. Los Blancos will now have to switch back to La Liga mode as they play away at Mallorca on Monday. PSG now have nothing but the league to play for where they already have a 13 point lead.

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