Real Madrid 2-3 Chelsea: Player Ratings as Karim Benzema, Luka Modric capture the magic
LW Vinicius Jr.
Though he did not get much service and was quieter than maybe Real Madrid would have liked, the young winger continues to find ways to make an impact even when he does not get many opportunities to do so.
Because it was Vini who provided a great cross for the go-ahead assist, serving up, guess who, Karim Benzema for the header. Vini also drew an early yellow card on Reece James with a quick move in an attempt to get into the penalty area. Had he got more of the ball, you get the feeling he would have beaten James a few more times. Hard-working defensively as ever, Vini earned a standing ovation from the Bernabeu before leaving the pitch for midfielder Dani Ceballos, exhausted after another match where he gave his all.
Rating: 7.0
CF Karim Benzema
Another player who transcends football and is beyond superlative. He could not score three hat-tricks in a row, but even against Thomas Tuchel’s perfect gameplan to prevent passes coming in his direction, Karim Benzema managed to get the game-winning goal. All he needs is the slightest of chances to change the game, to make an impact. And that slight opening was the one he took, heading Vinicius Jr.’s great cross past the world-class Edouard Mendy in goal.
Rating: 8.0
RW Fede Valverde
Fede Valverde is becoming a clutch player in his own right. He always shows up in every single big game, no matter what. The Uruguayan midfielder is now the best option on the right wing, and while he was not decisive in the final third like most right wingers, it was his all-around work that make the difference for the Merengues in this second leg, where survival was the name of the game. Valverde never stop sprinting, and the dynamic he provides kept Chelsea on their toes. Without him, like in the first leg, Real Madrid would not have made it through.
Rating: 7.5
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RW Rodrygo Goes
The clutch goal, the nonstop effort. It was all there. Rodrygo Goes is Mr. Champions League, as Real Madrid fans like to joke, and he showed it with a cool finish off that brilliant Luka Modric pass to make sure his “father’s” excellence did not go to waste.
Rating: 7.5