The game between Chelsea and Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals first leg ended in a stalemate.
Chelsea were held to a 1-1 draw in the first leg of Champions League quarter-finals first leg at Alfred Di Stefano Stadium, with Pulisic’s early goal being cancelled out by Madrid’s top goal scorer Karim Benzema. Here are the player ratings.
Real Madrid
Thibaut Courtois – 7
The Belgian goalkeeper made a fine save against Timo Werner but got completely outsmarted by Christian Pulisic for Chelsea’s first goal. Apart from that, Courtois had nothing much to do
Raphael Varane – 7
Varane was kept busy by the Blues for quite a while in the first half, and perhaps, Pulisic’s strike took a touch of the French man before finding the nets.
Eder Militao – 8.5
The Brazilian centre-back continues to grow in stature, and it was another underrated performance in the defence from him – with Ramos being absent. Militao made a vital interception against Hakim Ziyech in the final quarter.
Marcelo – 6
The experienced left-back fared decently in the absence of the first-choice Ferlan Mendy. Often caught upfield in the transitions, luckily the Blues didn’t take much of their chances.
Dani Carvajal – 6.5
Caravajal didn’t provide much despite playing as the right wing-back. He was eventually replaced by Odriozola.
Toni Kroos – 7
Chelsea reduced the German’s influence in the opening half due to their intense pressing and possession. But Kroos was good during the latter stages as Madrid pushed high up and started to have more of the ball. Kroos was also outrun by the pacy Blues midfielders and wide players.
Luka Modric – 6.5
Modric has been giving his best to Los Blancos of late, but tonight’s game wasn’t his. Although there were flashes of elegance from the Croatian, he didn’t create much in the final third.
Casemiro – 7
When you compare the performances he had against Liverpool and Barcelona in the previous, tonight was a downer from the Brazilian. At times, Casemiro was found lost on the pitch.
Vinicius Jr – 6.5
He got nullified by the three-man defence of the Blues. The Brazilian winger had the pace to hurt the visitors but lacked the decision making and his influence in the final third was also limited.
Karim Benzema – 8.5
Karim Benzema, who levelled from the home side, once again showed why he is the best player of the entire squad. Playing as a striker, dropping deep and drifting to wide areas, Benzema lacked support from most of his teammates. The way he scored the equaliser takes the cake as he had only lesser time to react.
Hazard, Asensio, Rodrygo and Odriozola came as substitutes. They are not rated.
Chelsea
Edouard Mendy – 6.5
Beaten, on a couple of occasions, with one of them finding the nets, Mendy wasn’t troubled by Madrid’s attack otherwise.
Antonio Rudiger – 8
Rudiger continues to earn the trust of Thomas Tuchel and tonight was an excellent defensive display, if not the best. The German set up Pulisic’s first strike, finding him with a precise long ball.
Thiago Silva – 7
Thiago Silva’s smartness on and off the ball could take the Blues to a place in the Champions League finals.
Christensen – 7
Andres Christensen has been receiving rave reviews since his revival and today was a decent showing.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 7
Didn’t provide much support in defence or attack and was replaced by Reece James.
Ben Chilwell – 7.5
Found himself in the advanced positions on many occasions, but neither of his crosses nor actions in the final third was on point.
N’Golo Kante – 9
The standout performer of the entire game, despite not finding the score sheet, the Frenchman was as effective as a ball winner, while his dangerous pace also left Madrid reeling.
Jorginho – 7.5
Being the key man during the build-up in deeper regions, Jorginho excelled well.
Mason Mount – 7.5
Chelsea’s fan favourite and the big game pulled strings at ease and also didn’t compromise with his defensive work.
Christian Pulisic – 8.5
Chelsea’s very own Captain America delivered when it mattered the most, scoring the opener after a well-timed run behind the defence of Los Blancos.
Timo Werner – 6.0
Warner once again showed his futility in front of the goal, squandering excellent chances to seal the match, including an easy and a straightforward one early on..
Havertz, Ziyech and James came as substitutes. They are not rated.
