CHELSEA are facing a Champions League exit after losing 2-0 to Real Madrid tonight.
The Blues also ended the game with 10 men as Ben Chilwell was sent off, just days after penning a lucrative new contract.
APBen Chilwell was sent off as Chelsea lost 2-0 at Real Madrid[/caption]
GettyKarim Benzema and Marco Asensio were on target for the hosts[/caption]
And Frank Lampard’s side have it all to do in next week’s second leg at Stamford Bridge.
It was certainly not the impact he was hoping to make upon his return as Chelsea boss, having lost to Wolves at the weekend.
But who put in a strong performance at the Bernabeu?
And did anyone have a game to forget?
Here, SunSport’s Anthony Chapman delivers his Chelsea player ratings…
KEPA ARRIZABALAGA — 7
Made several decent stops to prevent Real from bagging more.
Kept his nerve in a hostile environment and showed why he’s won back the No1 spot.
HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
WESLEY FOFANA — 4
Got an early yellow card for a silly foul.
Was given a headache by Vinicius Jr throughout the match and was not his usual reliable self.
THIAGO SILVA — 6
Had a good battle at the back with Karim Benzema.
But instant return from injury showed as he struggled to match the pace of Real’s attack.
KALIDOU KOULIBALY — 5
A physical presence on occasion, but Real’s clever runs sometimes gave him headless chicken vibes.
Chelsea can definitely find an improvement on him this summer.
REECE JAMES — 6
A few dangerous drives down the right flank early on.
But ended up having to help out Fofana as Vinicius Jr’s influence grew.
AFPN’Golo Kante had a very quiet night by his standards[/caption]
N’GOLO KANTE — 5
Appeared rusty as he failed to match Luka Modric’s midfield energy.
Didn’t make his impact on the game felt.
ENZO FERNANDEZ — 6
Looked to dictate play early on as he found plenty of space.
But influence quickly wore off as Real’s intense press clicked into action.
MATEO KOVACIC — 5
Quiet return to former club from the Croatian.
Put together some tidy passes but lack of attacking threat meant Blues were always short in the final third.
BEN CHILWELL — 3
Was very quiet as he was pegged back by Federico Valverde and Dani Carvajal before getting a straight red card in the 59th minute.
Not the performance he was expecting after signing new contract.
GettyJoao Felix struggled to make an impact on his return to Madrid[/caption]
JOAO FELIX — 5
Quiet game by his standards on a mixed return to Spanish capital.
Some clever turns and dribbles but wasted a glorious chance to score in the opening minutes and must improve finishing.
RAHEEM STERLING — 6
Spurned several good chances to get on the scoreboard tonight.
Had some good time on the ball and did help stretch Real’s defence with some darting runs.
SUBS:
Marc Cucurella (for Koulibaly, 54′) – 5
Spaniard struggled to impress and was at huge fault to leave Chilwell exposed for red card but made one or two decent blocks later.
Kai Havertz (for Felix, 65′) – 5
Completely isolated as he tried to hold ball off but never really laid a glove on Real’s defence.
Trevoh Chalobah (for Sterling, 65′) – 6
Tough ask coming on to keep Real’s attack at bay, but academy man did himself proud.
Conor Gallagher (for Kante, 76′) – N/A
Mason Mount (for Silva, 76′) – N/A