CaughtOffside rates the Chelsea players for their performances against Schalke…
Klaas-Jan Huntelaar scored a dramatic equaliser to make it Chelsea 1-1 Schalke and restrict the home side to a point on the opening night of their Champions League campaign.
SEE ALSO:
Top Champions League players Tuesday Evening: with Liverpool’s Mario Balotelli Included
Champions League Top Scorers – Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo close in on the record
Best Possible Champions League XI with only one player from each team
Cesc Fabregas scored his first goal for the Blues after just ten minutes, and Jose Mourinho’s side looked likely to go on and win comfortably. But Huntelaar levelled against the run of play, and Loic Remy had a shot cleared off the line as Schalke held on.
Read the full Chelsea ratings below:
GK) Thibaut Courtois – 6
Made one excellent save to deny Boateng, but might have done better with the goal.
RB) Branislav Ivanovic – 6
Got forward well to support from his full-back position, but was exposed a couple of times at the back.
LB) Filipe Luis – 8
Extremely encouraging performance from the Brazilian, who has struggled for opportunities so far this season.
CB) Gary Cahill – 4
A poor performance by his usually high standards. Was at fault for Schalke’s goal, and was caught out on several occasions by the German side.
CB) John Terry – 6
Did little wrong on his 600th Chelsea appearance. Booked for kicking the ball away, with his shot flying into the net from 25 yards after the whistle had blown.
CM) Ramires – 6
A mixed night for Ramires, who impressed in spells before being replaced by Oscar.
CM) Nemanja Matic – 7
Had a header cleared off the line, while he was calm and assured in possession – solid.
CM) Cesc Fabregas – 8
Took his goal well and continues to impress since his move from Barcelona. The best player on the pitch again.
RW) Willian – 7
Worked hard as always, but needs to offer more end product.
LW) Eden Hazard – 7
Created plenty of chances, but wasted one golden opportunity by attempting to continue alone rather than pass.
ST) Didier Drogba – 5
Missed two golden opportunities to win the game, replaced as Chelsea search for their winner.
Manager: Jose Mourinho – 6
Will be frustrated with the result, and arguably left his changes too late.
Subs:
1) Oscar – 6 – Offered more movement than Ramires in midfield
2) Loic Remy – 6 – Came closer than anyone to finding a winner.
3) Diego Costa – 5 – Failed to continue his goalscoring heroics.
SEE ALSO: best Premier League players 2014/15