CHELSEA’S defence of the Champions League is hanging on by a thread after the Karim Benzema show at Stamford Bridge.
The veteran French striker scored a brilliant hat-trick as Real Madrid claimed a 3-1 win in West London in the quarter-final first-leg.
Kai Havertz gave Chelsea tiny bit of hope with his goal against Real MadridCredit: Rex
SunSport’s Gary Stonehouse was at the game to run the rule over each of the Chelsea players:
MENDY – 4
Absolutely nothing he could do about Benzema’s two headers in the first half – both were simply incredible.
Made a decent stop from Dani Carvajal shortly after but his shocking error 46 seconds after the restart effectively ended hopes of a comeback on the night.
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CHRISTENSEN – 4
Got sucked in as Vinicius Junior and Benzema slipped a one-two past him to create the first goal for the Frenchman.
He was tormented by the Brazilian all first half.
And, just like Silva, he could have been tighter to Benzema for the second but at least he was alert to clear the danger in the 33rd minute after Mendy’s save.
His poor evening ended early as Tuchel took him out of the firing line at the break.
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SILVA – 6
Sucked out wide following Christensen as Benzema was allowed the freedom of Stamford Bridge for the first.
Perhaps he was just outdone by some brilliant movement, but allowed Benzema to slip away to head home the second.
Made some vital interceptions in the second period to redeem himself.
RUDIGER – 5
Has been heavily linked with a switch to Madrid ahead of his contract expiring but he didn’t take his opportunity to shine.
And he will be looking back at his weak challenge on Benzema after being stitched up by Mendy’s mistake for days afterwards.
JAMES – 6
Lost the ball early on which led to a rapid Real Madrid counter attack but luckily for him Vinicius Junior’s strike cannoned back off the bar.
The South American kept finding acres between him and Christensen throughout the opening period.
Up the other end he forced the returning Thibaut Courtois into a good save with a free-kick.
An attacking threat all night.
AZPILICUETA – 5
Will be having nightmares about the first half as Madrid’s counter-attacks caused him all sorts of issues.
His piledriver forced Courtois into a brilliant fingertip stop in the second period and looked better after a tactical change at the break.
KANTE – 4
A poor night for the much-loved Frenchman and failed to get into it at all or break up the Real counter.
Hooked at the break along with Christensen.
JORGINHO – 6
Was just a second too slow off the mark tracking back as Benzema got crucial yards on him for the first goal.
Produced a fantastic cross for Havertz to head home and worked hard before he was replaced.
MOUNT – 7
Making his 150th appearance for the club, he worked tirelessly all night and got stuck in several times too.
Tried his best to make things happen but it just was not happening tonight.
Kai Havertz was Chelsea’s best player against Real MadridCredit: Getty
HAVERTZ – 7
Popped up with a crucial header of his own to bravely get his team back into it.
Was probably the best of the bunch with his work-rate – especially considering he had little help from Christian Pulisic.
PULISIC – 4
Struggled to make any impact.
A quiet night for him was brought to an end just after the hour mark.
SUBSTITUTES
KOVACIC (ON FOR CHRISTENSEN 46 MINS) – 6
Added some energy into the middle but his huffing and puffing failed to inspire his team to a comeback.
ZIYECH (ON FOR KANTE 46 MINS) – 5
Failed to make an impact off the bench.
LUKAKU (ON FOR PULISIC 64 MINS) – 5
He did not properly connect with his first chance as groans filled the ground – and they were even louder seconds later when he headed wide from Azpilicueta’s cross.
LOFTUS-CHEEK (ON FOR JORGINHO 64 MINS)
Too little, and too late for him to make himself a hero. The stuffing had already been knocked out of his team.
