Chelsea put in a vastly improved performance in the second leg against Real Madrid. Even though they lost 2-0, they seemed like the much better team in the first half. Once again, they were let down by their finishing though, with the likes of Marc Cucurella an N’Golo Kante missing golden chances to score. Los Blancos had no such issues, with a brace from Rodrygo booking their place in the semi final.
There was one Chelsea player who was very good on the night against Real Madrid. It was Reece James. The Englishman was great in possession, created chances and was much better in the defensive side of things this time around, after struggling in the first leg.
It is safe to say that James proved his class at Stamford Bridge albeit in a losing effort. And it is not hard to see why Real Madrid are believed to be interested in signing him.
Unfortunately, Real Madrid are not the only team trying to sign James. Rumours doing the rounds in Spain suggest that Barcelona are another club after the signature of the Chelsea star.
Real Madrid and Barcelona both want Chelsea star
James is a superb talent. He has not had his best season, but then, context is key. He has had to deal with injury issues and on top of that, Chelsea have been terrible.
On top of his game, James has the ability to be the best right-back in the world. Thus signing someone like him would be a major coup for Real Madrid, as they are clearly in need of a right-back at the moment. Dani Carvajal is clearly no longer the player that he once was, and the club do not have a long-term solution behind him.
On the other hand, Barcelona could do with another right-back as well. But it will not be easy to sign James from Chelsea. Not too long ago, he signed a long-term deal with the club and is viewed by many as a future captain.