CHELSEA grabbed a useful first-leg draw at Real Madrid, as they bid to reach their first Champions League final since 2012.
Christian Pulisic gave Thomas Tuchel’s side the lead with a brilliant finish, before Karim Benzema showed similar class to pull the Spaniards level.
The result, and crucial away goal, gives the Blues a slight edge going into next week’s return leg in West London, although the tie very much remains in the balance.
Here is how SunSport’s Simon Phillips rated each Chelsea player on the night.
Edouard Mendy – 7
Surprisingly untested on the whole considering this was away tp Real Madrid.
Did his job well though when called upon though and had no chance of stopping Benzema’s world class finish.
Andreas Christensen – 8
Looked very competent, as usual, and read the game very well.
Contributed nicely to the overall play when needed.
Thiago Silva – 9
Silva’s calmness at the centre of defence was a massive plus for Chelsea, as always, against all of Real Madrid’s know-how.
Intelligent forward passing is a real bonus keeping play moving.
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Antonio Rudiger – 7
Played a magnificent pass over the top for Pulisic to get Chelsea’s first half goal.
As usual, his pace was needed and his contribution overall was good.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 6
Often looks a little leggy playing in the wing back role and it doesn’t quite suit him.
But he was there for experience and he used that well and put in a decent performance.
N’Golo Kante – 9
Was absolutely everywhere, once again. And was a real asset on the ball as well as in defence.
People say it is like having two players on the pitch and tonight he once again proved that to be a fact. World Class.
Jorginho – 8
A good shift from him and he looked full of confidence commanding those ahead of him.
Read the game well and did a good job defensively for Chelsea.
He was also often looking for the key pass over the top which he almost almost caught Madrid out with a couple of times.
Ben Chilwell – 7
Very neat and tidy performance as he helped Chelsea maintain pressure by keeping the ball moving.
Would have liked to have seen him contribute a bit better in the final third.
Mason Mount – 8
His driving with the ball on counter attacks was causing Real Madrid issues and he dribbled well.
His energy and constant harassing was a real thorn in the Spaniards’ side in the middle of the park.
Christian Pulisic – 8
Took his goal very well under pressure and showed a calmness and great technical ability to round Thibaut Courtois and pick his spot in the back of the net.
Timo Werner – 6
Missed an easy chance early on, and his decision-making was a little off on counter attacks in the final third.
But his pace on the break was always a problem for an ageing Madrid side.
SUBSTITUTES
Reece James for Azpilicueta – 7
Much needed fresh legs, speed, and physicality for Chelsea.
Hakim Ziyech for Pulisic – 8
Lively when he came on and really looked to make things happen.
Kai Havertz for Werner – 8
Instantly looked better than Werner and more useful in possession.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
