- Hezbollah fires at Israel as wars rage on Yom Kippur
- Analysts warn more detail needed on new China economic measures
- China tees up fresh spending to boost ailing economy
- China says will issue special bonds to boost ailing economy
- China offers $325 bn in fiscal stimulus for ailing economy
- Dodgers drop Padres 2-0 to advance in MLB playoffs
- Alexei Navalny wrote he knew he would die in prison in new memoir
- Last-minute legal ruling allows betting on US election
- Despite hurricanes, Floridians refuse to leave 'paradise'
- Israel observes Yom Kippur amid firestorm over Lebanon strikes
- Trump demonizes migrants in dark, misleading speech
- X says 'alert' to manipulation efforts after pro-Russia bots report
- US, European markets rise before Boeing unveils sweeping job cuts
- Small Quebec company dominates one part of NHL hockey: jerseys
- Comoros shock Tunisia, Salah, Mbeumo strike in AFCON qualifiers
- Boeing to cut 10% of workforce as it sees big Q3 loss
- Germany win in Nations League as 10-man Dutch rescue point
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- Israel says fired at 'threat' near UN position in Lebanon
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- Milton leaves at least 16 dead, millions without power in Florida
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- Injury-hit Australia thrash 'embarrassing' Pakistan at Women's T20 World Cup
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- Israel says fired at 'immediate threat' near UN position in Lebanon
- New US coach Pochettino hails Pulisic but worries over workload
- Brazil orders closure of 2,000 betting sites
- UK govt urged to raise pro-democracy tycoon's case with China
- Sculptor Lalanne's animal creations sell for $59 mn
- From Tesla to Trump: Behind Musk's giant leap into politics
- US, European markets rise as investors weigh rates, earnings
- In Colombia, children trade plastic waste for school supplies
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- JPMorgan Chase profits top estimates, bank sees 'resilient' US economy
- Djokovic proves staying power as he progresses to Shanghai semi-finals
- Sheffield Utd boss Wilder 'numb' after Baldock death
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- Fans immerse themselves in Marina Abramovic's first China exhibition
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- Djokovic 'overwhelmed' after 'greatest rival' Nadal's retirement
- Zelensky in Berlin says hopes war with Russia will end next year
- Kyrgyzstan opens rare probe into glacier destruction
- European Mediterranean states discuss Middle East, migration
- Djokovic proves staying power as progresses to Shanghai semi-finals
- Hurricane Milton leaves at least 16 dead as Florida cleans up
- Britain face 'ultimate challenge' in America's Cup duel with New Zealand
- Lebanon calls for 'immediate' ceasefire in Israel-Hezbollah war
Tuchel 'proud' of Chelsea despite Champions League heartbreak
Thomas Tuchel hailed his "special team" after Chelsea's reign as European champions came to an agonising end, with his task now to lift his players for a crucial FA Cup semi-final this weekend.
The Blues had one foot in the Champions League semi-finals at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday after staging a stunning comeback to wipe out Madrid's 3-1 lead from the first leg of the last-eight tie.
Mason Mount, Antonio Rudiger and Timo Werner put the reigning European champions on the brink of an historic victory.
But Real's veteran midfielder Luka Modric produced a moment of magic to set up Rodrygo, and Karim Benzema headed in the winner, meaning the 13-time European champions progressed 5-4 on aggregate after extra-time.
It is a bitter disappointment for Chelsea, who have managed to maintain their focus over the past two months despite swirling off-field distractions.
German boss Tuchel, whose team beat Manchester City in last year's Champions League final, said his players could not have given "one single percent more" in Madrid.
"We played a fantastic match," he said. "We deserved what we had. We scored four goals (one was disallowed), we had big chances to score more. We were unlucky. We got beaten by pure individual quality and offensive conversion."
He added: "We were very disciplined on the ball, and very active off the ball. We showed a lot of courage, and from there we showed the quality. It was the right way to do it. I am very happy. This is the way to go forward.
"If we have this kind of effort we are a special team, and if not we can lose against anybody. They showed a lot of character. We can be very proud."
Defender Rudiger praised the team's "incredible fight over 120 minutes" while midfielder Mount said Chelsea had "proved our might".
It was a remarkable performance in a remarkable season for the London club, who were thrown into turmoil last month when Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich announced he was selling up following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The British government subsequently imposed sanctions on Abramovich, which included severe financial restrictions on the London club.
- FA Cup chance -
Despite the upheaval, Chelsea have won every game since Abramovich's announcement on March 2 apart from a shock defeat by Brentford and the first-leg loss against Madrid.
Tuchel's side must now re-focus for Sunday's FA Cup semi-final against Crystal Palace and concentrate on sealing their spot in the top four of the Premier League.
Chelsea, last year's beaten FA finalists, will fancy their chances of getting past Patrick Vieira's Crystal Palace side and setting up a showdown against Manchester City or Liverpool.
They are heavy favourites to finish in the top four, which would secure Champions League football for next season -- Chelsea are third the table, eight points clear of fifth-placed Arsenal.
The Stamford Bridge club, who have already secured the Club World Cup this season, can hold their heads high after their brave effort in Madrid, knowing there is plenty more to play for.
O.Karlsson--AMWN