Real Madrid

Real Madrid player ratings vs Chelsea: Rodrygo leaves Blues reeling as terrific Thibaut Courtois silences the boos

Thomas Hindle
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Rodrygo Real Madrid 2022-23
The Brazilian scored twice in the second half as the defending European champions booked their place in the Champions League semi-finals

Rodrygo was at the double, while Thibaut Courtois turned in an imperious goalkeeping performance in a 2-0 victory over Chelsea that sent Real Madrid to the Champions League semi-finals.

Courtois came up big in the first half, denying Marc Cucurella with a fine diving stop to maintain Madrid's 2-0 aggregate lead from the first leg.

Madrid willingly soaked up Chelsea pressure in the second half before scoring a signature counter-attack goal. Rodrygo started the move with a darting run down the right, before finishing it as Vinicius Junior laid the ball back into his path.

Rodrygo added a second 10 minutes from time, latching onto Federico Valverde's pass and simply walking the ball in from three yards out.

This was far from the vintage Madrid performance of years past, but Los Blancos grabbed their goals and were largely untroubled at the other end in a comfortable win.

GOAL rates Real Madrid's players from Stamford Bridge...

Editors' Picks

  1. Goalkeeper & Defence
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    Goalkeeper & Defence

    Thibaut Courtois (8/10):

    Made an immense save to deny Cucurella on the stroke of half-time. Produced a few more stops. The best in the world?

    Dani Carvajal (7/10):

    Seems to find another step on Champions League nights. His composure was vital in seeing off Chelsea pressure.

    Eder Militao (7/10):

    Booked for a silly challenge on Kai Havertz that will see him miss the semi-final. Blocked what seemed to be a certain goal in the second half. A typically impressive performance.

    David Alaba (5/10):

    Taken off at half-time, likely due to an injury.

    Eduardo Camavinga (7/10):

    Struggled to contain James in the first half. Was on the receiving end of a nasty stomp in the second. Some of his passing was wonderful.

  2. Midfield
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    Midfield

    Federico Valverde (7/10):

    Was relatively quiet before setting up Rodrygo's second with a sumptuous run.

    Toni Kroos (7/10):

    Composed as ever in his passing, but allowed Chelsea to play through the middle too easily. Needed his rest.

    Luka Modric (7/10):

    Misplaced as many passes within the first 45 minutes as he did the whole first leg. Much improved as the game wore on.

  4. Attack
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    Attack

    Rodrygo (8/10):

    Hit the post after a nice piece of skill. Eventually opened the scoring, finishing a vintage Madrid counter-attack. Added a second with an easy tap-in. Stepped up with Benzema struggling.

    Karim Benzema (4/10):

    Scuffed his first attempt, outright missed his second. Wasn't particularly convincing in his link-up play. Subbed after 70 minutes, much to his frustration.

    Vinicius Jr (7/10):

    Squandered a golden opportunity in the first half, but set up Rodrygo in the second. Short of his sparkling best.

  5. Subs & Manager
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    Subs & Manager

    Antonio Rudiger (6/10):

    Introduced for Alaba at half-time and made plenty of clearances.

    Aurelien Tchouameni (6/10):

    Relieved a tired-looking Benzema, offered a much-needed extra body in midfield.

    Dani Ceballos (6/10):

    Didn't offer much other than fresh legs.

    Nacho (N/A):

    On for 10 minutes when the game was done.

    Marco Asensio (N/A):

    Barely touched the ball.

    Carlo Ancelotti (7/10):

    Deployed his in-form XI, with Kroos, Modric and Valverde making up the midfield three. Madrid were largely outplayed in the first half, but got through 45 minutes without conceding. And in the second, his side found two signature counter-attacking goals — enough to kill the tie. Ancelotti didn't get the kind of showing that suggests that they can beat likely semi-final opponents Manchester City, but it's hard to argue with the result.