Chelsea 1-3 Real Madrid: Player Ratings as Karim Benzema transcends football again

CM Toni Kroos

Although Toni Kroos worked hard for the team and even won three tackles, he was surprisingly ineffective in this game. Kroos attempted just 40 passes, with only one of those 40 passes being a key pass. And that was from a corner. From open play, Kroos made risky passes through the press that were accurate but put teammates at risk of losing the ball. He could not do anything to progress play and was rightfully substituted in the 73rd minute for Eduardo Camavinga.

In truth, we have not seen Kroos play at the highest level in a few weeks. And it has been months since we have seen him at his best. That should be of some concern for Madridistas as we head into the final months of the season.

Rating: 6.0

DM Casemiro

Casemiro absolutely owes Thibaut Courtois and Karim Benzema one. He was horrendous at times in this match with the ball at his feet, completing just 75 percent of his passes as the clear weak link when playing through Chelsea’s press. He could have gifted goals to the Blues on two occasions, and he also gave opposing midfielders too much space to make passes in the final third.

That said, Casemiro was not all bad. He continues to be vital in terms of his defensive activity, as he logged three tackles and two interceptions. But at some point, his weaknesses on the ball become untenable, and without Benzema and Courtois shining, Chelsea could have won this game. If that happened, Casemiro would have been the scapegoat.

Rating: 5.0

CM Luka Modric

Out of the three midfielders in “KCM”, Luka Modric was the most effective. He recorded two interceptions and led the team in passes attempted. He put in the most dirty work one-on-one and was more effective than his teammates at trying to move the ball up the pitch. Modric also logged an assist, sending in a looping cross to Karim Benzema that the world-class No. 9 finished exquisitely. Modric remains one of the world’s best midfielders and does not disappoint in the big games, even as his teammates left Madridistas wanting more.

Rating: 7.5