Chelsea and Real Madrid played out a 1-1 attract the primary leg of their Champions League semi-final on Tuesday night.
It was the primary competitive meeting between the 2 sides since the 1998 UEFA Superfinal, and it didn't disappoint for the foremost part because the two tectonic titans tussled during a thrillingly tactical affair.
A storm headed for Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano, which was just the whirlwind of the Blues who were right out of the traps. Antonio Rüdiger pinged a delicious shock the heads of the unwitting Real Madrid defense for Christian Pulisic within the 14th minute. The American fashioned time and space when bringing it down danced around the infamously hapless Thibaut Courtois and kept it hard and true for 1-0.
Chelsea was in control and much the higher side before being pegged back by the indomitable Karim Benzema in minute 29. A well-worked scenery from the Galacticos saw Marcelo deliver, Varane and Militao help it on with headers, and therefore the French gunman lash home a harsh lesson for the Blues to be more clinical at this level.
The prodigal son Eden Hazard entered the fray within the 65th minute, which was to be the noteworthy highlight of the last half. Neither side could work the sufficient opening needed to require the sport by the scruff of the neck - Raphaël Varane's glanced header perhaps the simplest chance of the ultimate 45.
Thomas Tuchel's side could also be kicking themselves tonight that they might not put this tie to bed with their early dominance, with Pulisic's away goal about negligible in establishing a plus. Nonetheless, it's all to play for in next Wednesday's second leg at Stamford Bridge, and therefore the last stop before Istanbul promises fireworks.
Édouard Mendy - 6/10
Well-beaten by Benzema's thunderbolt early within the half only to be saved by the post but wasn't to be so lucky the second time. Mopped up any balls well, but when the goal is all that's asked of him, some could also be frustrated with the Senegalese giant.
César Azpilicueta - 5.5/10 [65]
The biggest interrogation point over Thomas Tuchel's team selection after being deployed at the right-wing back to duel with Vinicius Jr. In truth, he struggled. Did well to urge up and down the pitch with aplomb in such testing conditions, but was no match for the pace of the Brazilian eleven years his junior on a variety of occasions. Looked spent by the time he was subbed off.
Thiago Silva - 6.5/10
Between the seasoned Brazilian and his younger Danish partner at the rear, sorely guilty for not being ball-side for Benzema's equalizer. Otherwise as mature and composed as you'd expect from O Monstro, who has many experiences in these big clashes.
Andreas Christensen - 6/10
Shades of the erratic positioning of old to concede Real Madrid's opener. Seemed a touch unsure of himself on the night, but his passing was as solid as ever.
Antonio Rüdiger - 7/10
His picturesque weighted assist for Pulisic was excellent, and it's about time the understated strength of his game that's his long passing is being lauded. The German is going to be disappointed to possess been beaten within the header by Eder Militao for the goal, which was the one blot on a defensively resolute performance. His lung-busting burst forward within the 88th minute tells you all you would like to understand about his heart.
Ben Chilwell - 6.5/10
Linked up well together with his England teammate Mount all night and sometimes found himself in dangerous positions, but frustratingly didn't make the foremost of them.
Jorginho - 7.5/10
Many ondered if he could pass the test of what some would say is that the holy midfield triumvirate of world football in Casemiro, Toni Kroos, and Luka Modric. He passed that test. once more thoroughly impressive in his defensive work and positioning.
N'Golo Kanté - 7.5/10
The sort of night that N'Golo Kanté comes into his element, and this was no different. Breathless in his pressing and ball-carrying. If only he had the ultimate ball, he'd be the entire package.
Mason Mount - 7/10
Started brightly as a button on his 100th senior appearance for the Blues. Constantly found space between the lines, but his influence waned because the night wore on.
Christian Pulisic - 8/10 [65]
Showed immense composure and skill to bring a straight ball from Rüdiger down, weigh up his options, skip around Courtois, and rifle home via Varane's shoulder. Picked up where he left off after the second-leg against Porto, offering himself up because of the punching bag sacrifice for the cause and being persistently fouled. Real Madrid couldn't accept him.
Timo Werner - 3/10 [65]
Far too casual when presented with a gilt-edged opportunity on a plate within the first ten minutes, and his habit of missing clear-cut chances is wearing thin. Lazy in not closing down the scenery for Los Blancos' first. Offered nothing within the last half. Made some good runs but his teammates seemed reluctant to trust him with the responsibility - and who can blame them?
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