Chelsea were thumped by Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge in the first leg of the UCL quarter-final. Karim Benzema‘s powerful hat-trick has now left the Blues with an uphill task to pull off in the 2nd leg. However, Chelsea are fortunate enough that the away goals rule has been scrapped as they conceded three at home. Havertz did pull one back to give Chelsea some hope. Here are the player ratings of Chelsea from their defeat.
Chelsea became victims of some brilliant assists and self-made blunders as Benzema scored another UCL hat-trick. Moreover, the tie was almost a repeat of Real’s round of 16-second leg against PSG. Real started on the front foot, with Vinicius’ dazzling feet giving him a sight as the Chelsea goal. However, his shot hit the crossbar. But it wasn’t long enough before Benzema scored the first of the night. Another scintillating work from Vinicius, who chipped in a cross for Benzema. The Frenchman spectacularly scored a header from some distance past Mendy.
Three minutes later, an inch-perfect cross from Modric was met with the absolute technique by Benzema in the box. His header gave no chance to Mendy whose dive looked like a formality as the ball had already crossed the line to double Real’s advantage. A third header was scored in the 40th minute, this time by Kai Havertz. The German continued his fine run of scoring as he netted one for the Blues.
A minute into the second half, the unexpected happened. Edouard Mendy committed a mistake. The goalkeeper’s loose pass to Rudiger out of his penalty area was intercepted by the hunting Benzema. The captain had only an open net to score and snatch his back-to-back hat-trick in the Champions League. Chelsea have to be the complete opposite of what they were in the first leg if they are to continue their title defence.
Chelsea player ratings; Defence
Edouard Mendy- 3/10
Should have done better with the Benzema headers. But his passing error right at the start of the second half was unacceptable as it helped Real finish off the game.
Andreas Christensen- 2/10
A very embarrassing night for the center-back. Vinicius Jr. turned him inside-out throughout the first half. A brilliant effort from the Brazilian and Benzema’s first came from Christensen’s side. However, his time on the pitch lasted only 45 minutes.
Thiago Silva- 3/10
Left red-faced as Benzema scored from a cross that should have been cleared away. Moreover, Benzema’s second goal rattled the Brazilian center-back in the penalty box. However, he stood his ground against his Brazilian teammate Vinicius.
Antonio Rudiger- 4/10
Perhaps a figure among the ciphers. Rudiger was a bit more lively than his center-back compatriots. However, should have reacted quickly to Mendy’s loose pass.
Midfield and wingers
Reece James- 6/10
A positive take from the drubbing. Reece James gave former Blues ‘keeper Courtois a tough time, forcing him to save two of his shots. Furthermore, was involved in the build-up for Chelsea’s goal and caused Ferland Mendy some problems. So far the highest in the Chelsea player ratings.
N’Golo Kante- 4/10
Probably a reason Chelsea suffered the heavy loss. Kante was far from himself as Real Madrid ran riot in the midfield. However, it sometimes happens to the best.
Jorginho- 4/10
The Italian’s misery continued. He was outclassed and dominated by the trio of Kroos, Casemiro, and Modric. But he did provide an assist to Havertz’s goal of earning some honors.
Azpilicueta- 7/10
The captain led from the front. The Spaniard’s defensive work was at its best, while also contributing significantly to the attack. Almost found his name on the score sheet only for Courtois to deny it with a wonderful save.
Attack
Mason Mount- 5/10
A beaming light in the Chelsea attack. Mount constantly pushed for things to happen but in vain. Further taking matters into his own hands, saw his shot blocked from distance as well.
Kai Havertz- 7/10
The German continues to deliver. Scored a difficult header to give Chelsea some redemption. Moreover, he looked for the ball more often, trying to create something. A rare positive for Thomas Tuchel as Havertz scored his 6th goal in his last 7 games. Ties the Chelsea captain for the highest player ratings.
Christian Pulisic- 4/10
The American look lost for the majority of the game. However, he did offer some good runs carrying the ball up the field but was contained by Carvajal.
Substitutes
Mateo Kovacic- 6/10
Replaced Christensen at half-time. A much-needed change. Kovacic ran tirelessly and established Chelsea’s dominance in the midfield.
Hakim Ziyech- 5/10
Replaced Kante at half-time. Provided some attacking threat, but not enough to get Chelsea another goal.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek- 4/10
Replaced Jorginho in the 64th minute. Loftus-Cheek initially found it difficult to cope with Real’s press. However, he later came into the game with some physical presence in the midfield for Chelsea.
Romelu Lukaku- 3/10
Woes in front of the goal continue for Lukaku. Failed to score a free header, perhaps should have taken a leaf out of Benzema’s performance of the night.
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