Messi stars as Chelsea crash out of Europe

Chelsea’s Champions League campaign ended with a disappointing 4-1 aggregate defeat to Spanish side Barcelona. After drawing the first leg 1-1 at Stamford Bridge, the Blues headed to the Nou Camp and had to get a result in order to progress into the quarter-finals of the Champions League. However, they couldn’t get their dream result as a Lionel Messi inspired Barcelona ran out as 3-0 winners. The Argentine scored a brace either side of a Ousmane Dembele goal. Antonio Conte’s side will now turn their attention to securing a top four spot in the Premier League. Here’s how the Chelsea players rated in last night’s 3-0 defeat to Barcelona:

Thibaut Courtois – 4

His heart might be in Madrid, but his body wasn’t in Barcelona last night. At fault for both of Messi’s goals, as the Argentine fired through his legs for both efforts.

Cesar Azpilicueta – 5

Messi skipped past him in the build-up to the second and third goals, and had a tough night back in his native country.

Andreas Christensen – 5

Had a slightly quiet night in the back three. But it was always going to be a long night against the likes of Messi and Suarez.

Antonio Rudiger – 5

Hit the crossbar late on, and had a tough night up against the formidable attacking talent of Barcelona.

Victor Moses – 5

Like the players mentioned previously, it wasn’t going to be easy up against Lionel Messi when he’s on form.

N’Golo Kante – 7

Despite losing 3-0, Kante was exceptional. By far, Chelsea’s best player. Who knows what the score might’ve been without him.

Cesc Fabregas – 5

Largely ineffective on his return to the club he left a few years ago.

Marcos Alonso – 6

Hit the post with a free-kick in the first half, and looked threatening on the left. Defensively he looked shaky.

Eden Hazard – 5

Had fleeting moments of brightness, but was otherwise absent in the Chelsea frontline.

Olivier Giroud – 5

A disappointing night for the Frenchman. His presence was felt, but he didn’t really make an impact.

Substitutes

Alvaro Morata – 5

Didn’t change the game at all.

Davide Zappacosta – 5

Brought on with Morata, and didn’t make an impact.

Pedro – N/A

Brought on very late, and didn’t have enough time to change the game.

Opinion