Real Madrid 2-3 Chelsea player ratings: Madness in Madrid

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MADRID, SPAIN – APRIL 12: Toni Kroos of Real Madrid competes for the ball with Ruben Loftus Cheek of Chelsea FC during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg Two match between Real Madrid and Chelsea FC at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on April 12, 2022 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Diego Souto/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images) /

Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Right wingback): 8/10

Ruben Loftus-Cheek has been Chelsea’s [English] Army knife this season. While the midfielder may have not had a season as impactful as he had perhaps once hoped, it’s hard to say he hasn’t gotten some opportunities. Loftus-Cheek has played in numerous different positions this season, notably in new roles like centerback and right wingback. After a great outing against Saints at the weekend, the 26-year-old was given the starting nod against Real Madrid in the same role, right wingback. Loftus-Cheek played incredibly well, far exceeding any expectations fans had for him when the starting XI was released.

N’Golo Kante (Central midfielder): 6/10

Kante began the match with promise. He looked to be turning back time once again, putting in that classic, luxurious performance. However, as the match grew on, the Frenchman got worse. His under-hit pass to Loftus-Cheek ended up being the fatal blow dealt to the Blues as they turned the ball over in a risky area. For this reason, as well as a gradual decline throughout the game, Kante gets the worst rating of any player in the starting line-up.

Mateo Kovacic (Central midfielder): 8.5/10

Mateo Kovacic was out to prove a point in this contest—to everyone. He put on a dazzling display in order to prove to his manager why he should’ve started in the first leg. He ran the show in midfield in order to prove to Real Madrid that it let a world class midfielder go. Simply put, Kovacic was brilliant. Luka Modric—his Croatian compatriot—will get all of the plaudits for his super-human assist on Los Blancos’ opening goal. However, it’d be criminal to not praise the former Real Madrid man for his incredible match, as well.

Marcos Alonso (Left wingback): 8.5/10

Marcos Alonso was arguably the best player on the pitch for either side for much of this contest. There were initially some questions raised by fans when he was named on the starting team sheet about his ability to contribute defensively and keep Federico Valverde quiet. Alonso passed this test with flying colors and even managed to get in on the action at the other end. He was incredibly, and perhaps criminally, unlucky to have his goal ruled out for a supposed handball. Regardless, VAR cannot take away the brilliant night that the 31-year-old had on Tuesday.

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