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

Christian Pulisic (Left winger): 6/10

Christian Pulisic replaced Werner immediately following Real Madrid’s opening goal. The American was tasked with netting a late winner to ensure there wasn’t extra time, but he unfortunately couldn’t complete this tall order. That’s not to say he didn’t have opportunities though. Pulisic got a few great looks at goal before the end of regulation—he fired them over the bar. He wasn’t much better in extra time either. There is something to be said for his ability to get into good goalscoring positions, the 23-year-old just needed to at least steer them toward goal.

Fans took to Twitter to blame the U.S. international for the “loss” alongside Kante. The fact remains though that the Blues didn’t do anything to lose the tie on Tuesday. The careless errors in the first leg are entirely to blame. That’s not for one individual to stomach either.

Hakim Ziyech (Right winger): N/A

Similar to Pulisic, Hakim Ziyech was tasked with coming on and helping his side grab a goal. He replaced Kante in extra time as the Blues were chasing the tie at that point. The Moroccan played a few trademark crosses into the area and gave the visitors a few chances to level the tie. Unfortunately, none were headed on target. A decent cameo from Ziyech all things considered.

Saul (Central midfielder): N/A

There’s not much to be said about Saul’s performance. He was never expected to bring any unique, game-changing skillset to this match. His role was to replace Kovacic, who was gassed after playing 120 minutes. Saul’s overhit cross was the exact moment Chelsea fans knew their hopes of a miracle were dead in the water.

Jorginho (Central midfielder): N/A

Just like Saul, Jorginho was brought on as nothing more than fresh legs when the Blues needed them most. The Italian international found himself on the end of Chelsea’s best chance at a fourth goal in extra time, but he fired wide from a few yards out. If it’d been almost anyone else on the end of it, this could’ve been an entirely different story being written right now. That sounds like a dig at Jorginho, but it truly isn’t. The defensive midfielder is only a goalscoring threat from the penalty spot, credit to him for getting into dangerous areas though.

Thomas Tuchel (Manager): 9/10

There aren’t enough good things one can say about Tuchel after that contest. Simply put, it was a tactical masterclass from one of the best managers in world football. He made Carlo Ancelotti look like an amateur in the second leg, as pointed out by our colleagues over at The Real Champs. Tuchel was out there playing chess while Ancelotti was hung up on checkers. The German’s gameplan was brilliant from the opening whistle and it’s a true shame his side couldn’t pull it out. Tuchel showed the world that anything is possible with a world class manager on the touchline.

What rating would you give to each player? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!