Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti said right-back Dani Carvajal’s positioning was key in limiting Ben Chilwell’s impact in Wednesday’s 2-0 first-leg win over Chelsea.
While Real Madrid wingers; Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo, caused a lot of problems for Chelsea, it was arguably their pressing that won the game.
The hosts only had a slight advantage in terms of possession (57 percent), but they made more than twice as many passes in the opposition half (389) than Chelsea (186).
Frank Lampard’s men pretty much could not get out of their own half for the majority of the match.
Chilwell, in particular, offered very little offensively aside from a few set-pieces, and, according to Ancelotti, it was mostly because of Carvajal.
“He never lets you down in the big games,” the manager said about Carvajal after the game.
“Much of the credit for the pressure we tried to employ high up came through him down the right-hand side on Chilwell.”
Chelsea’s 3-5-2 formation likely helped Real Madrid execute their plan as well since there are no wingers who can oppose the opposition fullbacks in this structure.
Chilwell was also shown a red card in this game, which means his attacking threat will not be a problem for Real Madrid in the second leg.
Speaking about next week’s visit to Stamford Bridge, Ancelotti added: “We have to come away satisfied but there is another 90 minutes to go.
“We have to repeat today’s game at Stamford Bridge because we know Chelsea will give it their best shot next week.”
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