Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti admits hat-trick hero Karim Benzema almost missed their Champions League win at Chelsea.

Benzema struck a treble as Real won the first-leg of their quarterfinal last night 3-1.

Ancelotti later revealed: "Before the game, Benzema couldn't find the pass to enter the stadium. I told him: 'Be quick or you don't play'. Fortunately, he found the pass there!

"Benzema is getting better with each passing day. It's like a good wine. He's more and more a leader, he feels more important in the team.

"And I think that has made a difference."