Ben Chilwell was sent off for Chelsea as Real Madrid took a 3-1 lead into the second leg at Stamford Bridge. Find the Chelsea Player Ratings below.
Kepa Arrizabalaga – 7
After denying Vinicius’ shot immediately before Benzema’s rebound, he was arguably let down by his teammates. Karim Benzema, Rodrygo, Federico Valverde, and David Alaba also made outstanding first-half saves. It was necessary to be vigilant in order to save a Thiago Silva toe-poke while simultaneously stopping an Alaba free-kick with a crowded space ahead of him.
Wesley Fofana – 5
Within five minutes, he was booked for a foolish challenge on Vinicius, and to say he struggled against the in-form Real Madrid attacker for the rest of the game is an understatement. I’ve been defeated way too many times to count, including for the aim. In the second half, he had a few of brighter moments, but he let the ball slip through his legs for Asensio’s score. Overall, it was a night to forget.
Kalidou Koulibaly – 5
Defended admirably for the first half hour, but looked terrible as Rodrygo regained his form. Almost caught off guard with a ball over the top early in the second half, but recovered nicely. In the 54th minute, he was possibly humanely pulled off hurt.
Thiago Silva – 7
On his return from a knee injury that held him out for six weeks, he was the best of Chelsea’s back three. In the first half, I had to clear the ball off the line from Vinicius, one of many crucial clearances. Had a heart-stopping moment in the second half as a toe-poked clearing sailed goalwards, but Kepa stopped it. After returning from injury, he was replaced in the 75th minute.
Reece James – 6
In the first half, he had a few of decent crosses into the area and often got the better of Camavinga driving forward. A few defensive lapses allowed Real Madrid to advance, but he was not the only player on the pitch to do so. At times, he appeared to be one of Chelsea’s most dangerous attacking threats.
N’Golo Kante – 7
Frank Lampard made a daring decision to start the midfielder after he had only played 137 minutes since returning from an eight-month injury layoff. However, his performance demonstrated what Chelsea has been lacking. He robbed Modric of possession early on for a terrific break and then played in James for another of Chelsea’s few first-half efforts. Made numerous crucial interceptions and assisted all over the field. A welcome comeback for the Blues, and he was replaced in the 75th minute after returning from injury.
Mateo Kovacic – 6
He was guilty of throwing the ball away too many times in midfield and was booked late on, but he didn’t do much else.
Enzo Fernandez – 7
He did his best to liberate his teammates with floated passes, but it was often in vain. His weak touch gifted Valverde an early goal, but he was a nuisance in midfield, picking up numerous free kicks. Saw a late free-kick that failed to beat the first man, but otherwise did well.
Ben Chilwell – 3
The winger had a bad night. His highlight was wasting an early free-kick before being awarded a straight red card for tugging back Rodrygo.
Raheem Sterling – 5
A somewhat quiet game. After a Camavinga foul, he was awarded a free kick, but his attempt was blocked by Eder Militao. In the 65th minute, he was replaced.
Joao Felix – 6
Chelsea’s lack of a No. 9 continues to plague the Blues, despite his best efforts. Early in both halves, he saved fine shots, but he was substituted in the 65th minute.
Substitutes
Marc Cucurella – 6
Came on as a substitute for Koulibaly early in the second half, but was easily beaten by Rodrygo before Chilwell’s red card foul. However, was fouled late in the game by Militao and Carvajal, resulting in the two Real Madrid players being booked.
Kai Havertz – 5
In the second half, he came on for Sterling and won a corner, but he did little else.
Trevoh Chalobah – 6
In the second half, he came on for Felix and effectively screened Rodrygo. In his 25 minutes, he made some nice blocks and clearances.
Mason Mount – 5
Cucurella was sent through after a superb pass around his defender. Late in the game, he had one of Chelsea’s finest chances, but his attempt was stopped by former teammate Toni Rudiger.
Conor Gallagher – 4
In his 15-minute cameo, he had minimal impact on the game.
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