Real Madrid vs Chelsea

Real Madrid player ratings vs Chelsea: Karim Benzema lights up the Champions League again while Marco Asensio answers the critics

Thomas Hindle
Last updated
Comments (0)
Benzema Real Madrid Chelsea
Getty
Karim Benzema and Marco Asensio got on the scoresheet as Real Madrid easily beat Chelsea at the Santiago Bernabeu.

An early Benzema tap-in and late Asensio curler handed Madrid a comfortable 2-0 win over Chelsea in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie.

Madrid pounced on Chelsea's first major mistake, with Dani Carvajal springing a counter-attack that Benzema dutifully finished. Kepa Arrizabalaga had pushed a shot from Vinicius Junior straight onto Benzema's path, the Frenchman popping up in the right position to guide into the net, as is tradition for him.

Los Blancos had further chances in the first half, with Vinicius Junior teasing the languid Wesley Fofana for most of proceedings.

A Ben Chilwell red card in the second half gave Madrid a further advantage, and they capitalised, as Marco Asensio fired in his side's second with a lovely curler from outside the box.

Madrid will feel they could have probably had more here, such was their dominance of possession. But a 2-0 lead after the first leg is hardly something to be disappointed about.

GOAL rates Real Madrid's players from the Santiago Bernabeu...

Editors' Picks

  1. Goalkeeper & Defence
    Getty

    Goalkeeper & Defence

    Thibaut Courtois (7/10):

    Had a couple of saves to make, but never truly tested.

    Dani Carvajal (6/10):

    His wonderful ball to Vinicius triggered Madrid's opener. Could've been sent off for a silly kick out at Marc Cucurella late on.

    Eder Militao (7/10):

    A burst of pace prevented Joao Felix from running through on goal in the second minute. His physicality was too much for Raheem Sterling. Got himself a silly booking late on, though.

    David Alaba (7/10):

    Kept the lively Felix mostly under wraps. Did the same for Kai Havertz in the second half.

    Eduardo Camavinga (6/10):

    Tackled very well, made the occasional run forward, but some of his defensive positioning can be called into question. Needs to play in midfield.

  2. Midfield
    Getty Images

    Midfield

    Federico Valverde (8/10):

    Recaptured something resembling his best after a poor run. His movement was excellent, distribution was even better.

    Toni Kroos (7/10):

    Not exactly an eye-catching performance, but completed all but five of his passes.

    Luka Modric (8/10):

    Curled one narrowly over after a lovely move. Passed well, made some opponents look silly. Ageless.

  4. Attack
    Getty

    Attack

    Rodrygo (6/10):

    Some lovely pieces of skill to trigger Madrid attacks. Wasn't at his best in the final third, though.

    Karim Benzema (7/10):

    Scored his obligatory goal with a tap in from close range. Linked up well with his team-mates, and had a few half-chances at a second. Probably should have scored in second-half stoppage time.

    Vinicius Junior (8/10):

    Ate Wesley Fofana for 90 minutes. His run behind the Chelsea defence led to Madrid's opener. Assisted Asensio for Madrid's second. World class.

  5. Subs & Manager
    Getty

    Subs & Manager

    Marco Asensio (8/10):

    Scored Madrid's second with a cool finish from outside the box. Almost added another shortly after. Answered the critics after a rough run.

    Antonio Rudiger (7/10):

    Given a run out against his former side. Made an excellent block late on.

    Dani Ceballos (N/A):

    Replaced Modric after 80 minutes. His side lost control when he was on the pitch.

    Aurelien Tchouameni (N/A):

    A brief run out for a player who has fallen down the pecking order.

    Carlo Ancelotti (8/10):

    Went with his strongest line-up, including the preferred midfield trio of Modric, Kroos and Valverde. Madrid started poorly, but grabbed a goal after 20 minutes and settled in from there. His side probably should be taking a three or four goal lead to Stamford Bridge, but Ancelotti will have few complaints.