A surprising off night for Kante
Chelsea pair N’Golo Kante and Kai Havertz were given brutal ratings by L’Equipe after the Blues’ Champions League quarter-final defeat to Real Madrid on Tuesday night.
Madrid midfielder Toni Kross was also dealt a harsh hand – receiving a 3/10 despite ending up on the winning side over the two legs.
Thomas Tuchel’s men went into the second leg trailing 3-1, however, they responded well and hit back with goals from Mason Mount, Antonio Rudiger and Timo Werner – which put them just 10 minutes away from the last four of the competition.
However, a stunning volley from Madrid substitute Rodrygo sent the game to extra-time, before captain Karim Benzema – who was Madrid’s highest rated player with 7/10 – headed home the winner to send Carlo Ancelotti’s side through.
Despite a gutsy and respectable performance from the Premier League side, the ratings from the French sports publication ranged from 4-8 among the starting XI.
Chelsea’s ratings
Defender Antonio Rudiger was voted the best player on the pitch with an 8/10 performance, which included a superb headed goal and strong display from the back. Reece James earned a 7/10, with both Edouard Mendy and Marcos Alonso receiving 5/10 marks.
It was Chelsea’s attacking players who received the some of the lowest marks, with Kante registering an unusual 4/10 – as did Kai Havertz, who bagged a goal in the first leg.
The Blues’ highest rated attacking player was Mason Mount, who scored a 7/10 and opened the scoring for Thomas Tuchel’s men in the 15th minute.
Surprise inclusion Ruben Loftus-Cheek delivered a decent performance and earned a 6/10, as did Mateo Kovacic and Timo Werner, who scored Chelsea’s third of the night.
Tuchel – who made a number of changed ahead of the second-leg – received a 7/10 rating.
Real Madrid’s ratings
Despite progressing to the next round of the Champions League, Madrid did lose the second-leg and L’Equipe’s ratings took this into account.
German midfielder Toni Kroos was given a 3/10, with fellow midfielders Luka Modric – despite pulling off one of the best assists you’ll ever see – and Casemiro receiving a 6/10 and 5/10 respectively.
Luka fucking Modrić 🐐 pic.twitter.com/Z35quNeAKq
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) April 12, 2022
Defenders Dani Carvajal and Nacho were handed 4/10s, but David Alaba was given a six and Ferland Mendy a 5/10.
Former Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois – despite conceding three goals – managed a 6/10.
In attack, Vinicius Jr and Fede Valverde could only score 5/10s while striker Benzema, who bagged the winner in extra-time, managed a 7/10.
Madrid will now face off against either city rivals Atletico Madrid or Manchester City in the semi-final. Pep Guardiola’s side boast a 1-0 lead going into Wednesday night’s second leg tie at the Wanda Metropolitano.
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