Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema swaps shirts with Reece James to show respect for the Chelsea defender’s performance

KARIM BENZEMA has asked about Reece James’ shirt after Real Madrid’s Champions League rollercoaster win over Chelsea.

As in last week’s first leg, it was the veteran French striker who made headlines again.

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The 34-year-old produced a brilliant hat trick at Stamford Bridge six days ago for a 3-1 first-leg win.

but Chelsea were in no mood to go down quietly at the Bernabeu as they had almost completed Mission Impossible.

They led 3-0 to take a tie lead on a stunning night in the Spanish capital.

But Madrid’s substitute Rodrygo saved his side late to send the game into extra time.

And sadly, the drama wasn’t over for James and Chelsea Benzema went home after six minutes win it 5-4 overall.

England full-back James was there despite an early warning Chelsea’s star throughout the second leg.

And he even showed the free-running Kai Havertz a great cross shortly before death, which his team-mate missed with a header.

Although the full-back will be bitterly disappointed to be eliminated from the Champions League, he has managed to go home with a valuable souvenir.

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But it wasn’t he who asked for it.

As jubilant scenes greeted the final whistle from the home fans and their squad, the match-winner had eyes for only one thing… James’ jersey.

Benzema walked up to the 22-year-old and handed him his shirt in what appeared to be a show of respect.

And he managed to get James in return as the star appeared to earn the Hotshot forward’s respect by clashing.