UEFA League: Chelsea Stun Benfica, Real Bash Apoal

Chelsea's Torres tries for goal against Benfica

Salomon Kalou scored a late winner as Chelsea put one foot in the Champions League semi-finals after a first-leg quarter-final win in Lisbon.

Forward Kalou had earlier wasted a fine chance but made no mistake to side-foot home a cross from the impressive Fernando Torres, reports the BBC.

Chelsea were full value for the victory with Juan Mata denied by a post when the game was goalless.

David Luiz made a goal-line clearance to deny Benfica's Oscar Cardozo.

Chelsea caretaker manager, Roberto Di Matteo will know the job is only half done and will not be looking beyond the second leg at Stamford Bridge on April 4.

But the Londoners will only have themselves to blame if they do not reach the semi-finals after a performance full of spirit, guts and determination in Portugal.

And in Greece, Kaka came off the bench to inspire Real Madrid to victory over a spirited Apoel Nicosia side in the first leg of their Champions League quarter final tie.

French striker, Karim Benzema had missed an open goal in the first half before he buried a curling cross from Kaka.

Kaka - who was in superb form - then finished off a fine run and pass from fellow substitute Marcelo.

And Benzema wrapped up the win in stoppage time when he swept in Mezut Oezil's ball from the right.

Real were dominant before adding their three late goals, and could now progress to a potential semi-final against Bayern Munich.