Chelsea dueling player ratings: Solid but lucky against Atletico Madrid

Callum Hudson-Odoi (Right wing back): 5.5/10

Hudson-Odoi was lively in the opening exchanges but his effect on the game dwindled as it progressed. Admittedly, he was let down by some of his teammates with their final ball which would have put him in very good positions to either score or assist. The 20-year-old also handled the task of keeping Thomas Lemar quiet relatively well.

Jorginho (Center Midfield): 5.5/10

Jorginho was heavily involved as you would expect in a game where his side had the lion share of the possession. However, his passing was sloppy in crucial moments which could have seen Chelsea end the game with a bigger lead. Typically, he was exposed on the break, leading to a yellow card which makes him suspended for the second leg.

Mateo Kovacic (Center Midfield): 6/10

Kovacic has flourished since Tuchel’s arrival and he served up a reminder as to why he has become a regular under the new manager with an assured showing in the middle of the park. He was caught on the ball a few times but thankfully, those instances did not develop into anything consequential.

Marcos Alonso (Left wing back): 6.5/10

Alonso was once again preferred to Chilwell and like Rudiger,  he recovered from a nervy start to become one of the Blues’ best performers on the night. He got a crucial header to douse a precarious situation as two Atletico Madrid players lurked behind him. The Spaniard was also an attacking threat for major parts of the contest.

N’Golo Kante (Substitute at 74′): 5/10

Kante replaced Mount for the final 15 minutes of the game as the latter was already walking a tightrope. He helped Chelsea see out the game, and he is nailed on to start the second leg following Jorginho’s suspension.

Reece James (Substitute at 80′): N/A

James came on for an already tiring Hudson-Odoi to shore up his side’s defense for the final 10 minutes. In that time, he was largely untroubled as Atletico resorted to long balls in search of an equalizer.