Real Madrid secured a 2-0 victory against Chelsea in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals on Tuesday, April 12th. The match started with Real Madrid making a strong impression, as their forwards quickly found their rhythm and began pushing into Chelsea's 18-yard box.
They held the majority of the possession, created numerous opportunities, and finally scored in the 21st minute when Dani Carvajal's pass found Vinicius, whose shot was blocked by Kepa Arrizabalaga, only for Karim Benzema to tap it in the empty net. In the first half alone, Los Blancos had 60% possession, attempted ten shots, and hit the target eight times.
After a strong finish to the first half, Real Madrid started the second period a bit slow, but luck was on their side when Chelsea's Ben Chilwell was sent off for a last-man foul just 15 minutes into the half. In the 71st minute, Real Madrid made a double substitution. Marco Asensio, who came on as a substitute, scored a beautiful goal three minutes later, with Vinicius providing the assist from a well-worked short corner. Real Madrid continued to dominate, making the most of their timely substitutions and maintaining pressure on Chelsea. Despite their control, Real Madrid couldn't increase their lead, and the game ended 2-0 in their favor. Here are the player ratings for Los Blancos:
Thibaut Courtois | GK | 7/10
Courtois had a solid performance, making two comfortable saves in the first half and an important one in the second to keep his clean sheet intact.
Daniel Carvajal | RB | 7.5/10
Carvajal was a constant threat on the right flank, creating the chance that led to Benzema's goal with an excellent pass. Defensively, he won two duels and made one clearance, one tackle, and an interception. He also delivered two accurate long balls and two key passes.
Eder Militao | RCB | 6.5/10
Militao was a reliable presence at the back, making it difficult for Chelsea's attackers to create chances. He won half of his duels, including three clearances and two tackles. He also attempted two long balls and received a late booking.
David Alaba, LCB, 7.5/10
Alaba showed his quality on the ball, distributing it with precision and confidence. He won two duels, made four interceptions, two clearances, and one tackle. He also played one key pass and had two shots on target.
Eduardo Camavinga | LB | 7.5/10
Camavinga adapted well to the left-back position and was impressive with his work rate and skills. He won four duels, made three tackles, two long balls, and one key pass, but was cautioned early on.
Luka Modric | AM | 7/10
Modric controlled the midfield and displayed his trademark passing accuracy, completing 70 passes at 95%, including one key pass, one cross, and one long ball. He also won four duels and completed three dribbles.
Federico Valverde | CM | 7.5/10
Valverde covered a lot of ground and contributed in both attack and defense. He won four duels, made three interceptions and one tackle, and completed four dribbles. He also had one shot on target.
Toni Kroos | CM | 7.5/10
Kroos played a disciplined role, focusing on short passes and defensive duties. He won eight of his nine duels, made five tackles and one clearance, and attempted one blocked shot.
Rodrygo | RW | 7/10
Rodrygo showed flashes of his pace and skills, making good runs and dribbles. He won four duels, completed two dribbles, and had one shot on target.
Karim Benzema | CF | 8/10
Benzema was the standout player, scoring the opening goal with a simple finish and linking up well with his teammates. He attempted five shots, with three on target, and provided three key passes. He also won two duels.
Vinicius Junior | LW | 7/10
Vinicius contributed to Real Madrid's attack with four key passes and eight wins in duels. However, he missed two good chances to score.
Substitutes
Antonio Rudiger, CB, 6.5/10
Rudiger came on in the second half and had a decent performance.
Marco Asensio | RW | 7.5/10
Asensio had an immediate impact after coming on as a substitute, scoring a beautiful goal just three minutes later.
Dani Ceballos | CM | 6.5/10
Ceballos came on late in the game and contributed positively to Real Madrid's midfield.
RMA 2-0 CHE: REAL MADRID PLAYER RATINGS AFTER OUTCLASSING CHELSEA
April 13, 2023
2 years ago