Edouard Mendy
The Senegal international's record in the Champions League guaranteed him a start. Yet this was not the Chelsea goalkeeper's finest night in Europe's premier club competition. He could do little about either of Karim Benzema's first-half goals – both were excellent headers – but was completely at fault for Real Madrid's third of the night.
There was little danger as a long punt forward arrived at Mendy's feet, but he scuffed his attempted pass to Antonio Rudiger, who was outmuscled by Benzema. The Frenchman then had an easy finish into an empty net despite being 30 yards from goal. Mendy could do little but look down at the turf. It was a huge moment in the tie. 5
Andreas Christensen
Brought back into the starting XI despite strong reports, he has agreed to a contract with Barcelona for next season. Christensen lasted just 45 minutes before being replaced at the interval. The reason for that was Vinicius Junior, who ran the Dane ragged for 45 minutes.
He was admittedly not given a huge amount of protection but was constantly outmanoeuvred by the Brazilian winger, who fashioned Benzema's first goal with an excellent cross into the penalty area. It was little surprise Christensen was hauled off at the interval as Chelsea moved to a back four. 4
Thiago Silva
The Brazilian went into the game having played the second-most minutes this season of any outfield Chelsea player. That was never expected to be his role this term, but it's one Silva has stepped up to. Unfortunately, he wasn't quite at his imperious best this evening at Stamford Bridge.
He wasn't at fault for either the opening Madrid goal. Nor the third. But it was he who was caught under the ball for Benzema's second, although the Frenchman didn't have much room to operate in and plant the perfect header beyond Mendy. For the remainder of the game, Silva was his usual self. Yet the damage had been done. 6
Antonio Rudiger
Chelsea's aggressive leader was booked early into the opening half and that meant he was left walking a tightrope for the remainder of the contest. Perhaps that is why he was slightly hesitant to go in strongly on Benzema after Mendy's soft pass. Had he done so, perhaps the Madrid striker wouldn't have been left with a simple finish.
It is unfair to put too much blame onto Rudiger for that goal, however. And for much of the match, he defended well and was able to produce a couple of his trademark drives forward. He will not be pleased, though, to have been part of a defence that has now conceded seven goals in just two games. 6
Reece James
The England international was always going to start at right wing-back but wasn't his usual self. The driving runs forward were absent, and he didn't quite have the energy to get back at pace to help cover Christensen. However, James still produced a couple of teasing crosses that Chelsea didn't take advantage of.
He was shifted to right-back at half-time as Chelsea changed shape and was more reserved. He did help quell the threat of Vinicius Junior, though, and that is something for Tuchel to consider when the two sides face off at the Bernabeu next Tuesday. 6
N'Golo Kante
There is no doubt that the Blues haven't seen the best of Kante on a consistent basis. However, given the stage and his performances in last season's Champions League, there was hope that the Frenchman would suddenly rediscover his form. That sadly didn't happen from a Chelsea perspective.
There was plenty of energy shown by Kante in the opening period, but he didn't have a huge impact on the game in or out of possession as Real Madrid opened up a two-goal lead. As surprising as it sounds, there was little surprise when he was replaced by Mateo Kovacic at half-time. 5
Jorginho
Back in midfield, Chelsea needed a big performance from the Italian. That didn't quite materialise, but he did produce the one moment of true quality from a Blues perspective – it was Jorginho's weighted pass over the Real Madrid defence that was powered home by Kai Havertz.
Out of possession, though, Jorginho's lack of physicality was exposed. Once Real Madrid were able to beat the first wave of the Chelsea press, there was an ocean of space for them to exploit. And while Jorginho shouldn't be expected to do that alone, as the deeper six, it's his job to help stem the tide. He was brought off with 25 minutes to play. 6
Cesar Azpilicueta
Once again, Chelsea's captain proved his versatility. Azpilicueta was deployed at left wing-back in the opening half and at left-back in the second after the Blues moved to a back four. Did he excel in either role? No, in truth. But the Spaniard certainly didn't let his side down, as is always the case.
There was one vital clearance made by Azpilicueta in the second period to a deep cross into the Chelsea penalty area. Had he not been there, Real Madrid may have scored a fourth on the night, and that would've almost certainly put the tie beyond the Blues at the Bernabeu. 7
Mason Mount
Much like Kante, the Chelsea academy graduate hasn't been able to produce his best form in recent weeks. Unfortunately, he didn't recapture it this evening. There was a huge amount of effort put in by Mount across the pitch to press Madrid and reclaim the ball. Yet, in possession, he didn't have too much influence.
Mount was shifted about in the second half as the Blues attempted to mount a comeback. He played as an eight and was then moved out to the left. It was from that position that he almost found the top corner from 25 yards, but his effort narrowly cleared the crossbar. 6
Kai Havertz
Chelsea's number nine. No debate. This was a tough night for the Blues, yet Havertz continued to showcase why he is above Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner in the pecking order. He pressed hard in the first half for little reward, but when a clear chance came the German's way, he took it expertly.
Jorginho was the architect as he clipped a pass over the Real Madrid defence, and Havertz was on hand to plant a header beyond Thibaut Courtois, who got a hand to the ball yet couldn't keep it out. In the second half, the 22-year-old continued to lead the fight for Chelsea. 8
Christian Pulisic
The American star didn't feature in the weekend defeat to Brentford, so it should have been fresh. That didn't appear the case in the opening period, as Pulisic was on the periphery of the contest. Even his pressing lacked the vigour of those next to him in the Chelsea attack.
Still, Pulisic was given the second period to try to conjure a way back into the contest for Chelsea. Again, he couldn't make the most of it and was replaced by Romelu Lukaku with 25 minutes to play. 5
Substitutes
Mateo Kovacic (for N'Golo Kante, 45)
The Croatian should've started. That much is not in doubt. And while he didn't turn the tie around, he offered a more reassuring presence in possession. 6
Hakim Ziyech (for Andreas Christensen, 45)
Ziyech was given 45 minutes to help Chelsea find a route back into the game, but much like Pulisic, he had little impact on the contest. Did have one late chance he put narrowly over. 6
Ruben Loftus-Cheek (for Jorginho, 64)
Had 25 minutes to help Chelsea fight back. He showed a couple of nice touches but not enough to make a huge contribution. 5
Romelu Lukaku (for Christian Pulisic, 64)
Sent on a rescue mission and had two headed chances to drag Chelsea back into the game and missed them both. 5
