Chelsea were so close, yet so far from making a comeback in the Champions League quarter-finals. The Blues trailed Real Madrid 3-1 from the first leg, as Thomas Tuchel dismissed the chances of turning the tie. However, his players proved him wrong as they started on the front foot in Santiago Bernabeu. But their resilient win was not enough to take them through. Here are the player ratings from Chelsea’s knocking out at the hands of Real Madrid.
The Blues started the game in some lightning fashion, scoring the opener in the 15th minute. Timo Werner and Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s brilliant combining saw the German knee-down the ball perfectly for Mason Mount. Mount’s perfect placement into the back of the net gave Chelsea some hope. Real struggled to respond as Antonio Rudiger and Thiago Silva were alert more than ever.
Another 5 minutes into the second half, Chelsea doubled their lead. Rudiger’s smart header from Mount’s corner smoothly landed in Real’s goal. The aggregate score was leveled, and Chelsea became more flamboyant in their attacks. A counter-attack started by Kante and Alonso resulted in the Spaniard lashing the ball past Courtois. However, Chelsea’s joy was short-lived as VAR showed the ball had rebounded-off Alonso’s hand before he executed the shot.
Luka Modric‘s delicious cross from outside-of-the-foot in the 79th minute found Rodrygo in the Chelsea box. The Brazilian winger only had to direct the ball into the Chelsea net and the aggregate score was back on level terms. Chelsea squandered two chances in the extra time before Benzema killed the tie. A cheeky cross from Vinicius was buried in by Karim Benzema in the 96th minute, who took the advantage of Rudiger’s slip. Real Madrid went through to the semis 5-4 on aggregate. Here are Chelsea’s player ratings from their brave display.
Chelsea’s player ratings: Defence
Edouard Mendy- 5/10
Misjudged Benzema’s header which could have gone if hadn’t it been for the crossbar. But Mendy couldn’t do much in either of Real’s goals.
Reece James- 6/10
Had to be alert throughout the game after being booked in the 10th minute. Though he struggled in the first half, the second half was an improvement.
Thiago Silva- 5/10
Some initial flashes of solid defending, but then couldn’t keep up the momentum.
Antonio Rudiger- 7/10
Almost a superb performance from the center-back. Contained Real Madrid’s attack and won all of his aerial duels. Moreover, scored from the corner in leveling the aggregate score. But his slip ultimately cost Chelsea the tie.
Marcos Alonso- 7/10
Carvajal was lucky to escape from Alonso’s wrath. The left-back was stopped at nothing and just kept bombarding real’s right flank. Scored as well, only for the VAR to rule it out.
Midfield
Ruben Loftus-Cheek- 7/10
Loftus-Cheek just imposed himself in the midfield. His elite physical dominance over the Real midfielders made it very difficult for the Los Blancos to find an answer.
N’Golo Kante- 5/10
Sad to say but Kante‘s downfall continued from the first leg. Though he swept at times but didn’t look confident in possession. As a result, was substituted for Hakim Ziyech later in the game. Joins Silva as Chelsea’s lowest in player ratings.
Mateo Kovacic- 7/10
Kovacic showed his former employers his real qualities. The Croat literally enjoyed his time in the middle of the park against Real Madrid.
Mason Mount- 8/10
The most outstanding player for Chelsea. He easily tops Chelsea’s player ratings. Mount scored the opener, moreover assisted Rudiger’s goal. The attacker put in 120 minutes of sheer quality as he was Chelsea’s marksman.
Attackers
Kai Havertz- 6/10
Looked decent, but far from his weekend’s performance against Southampton. Some good dribbles, a massive 6 shots attempted and 2 key passes were offered by the top-scorer of the Tuchel-era. However, this time he couldn’t score.
Timo Werner- 8/10
Werner raised everybody’s eyebrows with his resurgent display. He ties Mount in Chelsea’s highest player ratings. A brilliant link-up play with Loftus-Cheek to release Mount who scored the opener. Later he took on the Real defence exceptionally to score his goal of the night.
Substitutes
Christian Pulisic- 6/10
Came-on in the 83rd minute for Werner. Pulisic found himself inaccurate positions. But failed to convert a clear-cut chance.
Hakim Ziyech- 4/10
Came-on in the 99th minute for Kante. Couldn’t work his magic in creating the chances.
Saul Niguez- N/A
Came on for Loftus-Cheek at the half-time of the extra-time.
Jorginho- N/A
Came on for Kovacic at the half-time of the extra-time.
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