"Take it personally" - Rio Ferdinand sends message to Chelsea star who struggled against Real Madrid

Rio Ferdinand has urged Chelsea defender Reece James to learn from the mistakes he committed in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal first leg against Real Madrid in midweek. The Manchester United legend advised James to put his performance under the microscope and show his quality in the return leg.

Madrid inflicted a 2-0 defeat on ten-man Chelsea in the first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday (April 12). Goals from Karim Benzema and Marco Asensio either side of half-time propelled the Whites to a straightforward win.

James was one of Chelsea’s most disappointing players in Madrid, getting outclassed by Madrid’s jet-heeled winger Vinicius Junior. Ferdinand advised James to take the humiliation personally so that he can work on his shortcomings and fare better in the second leg next week.

Speaking to BT Sport, Ferdinand said:

“The important thing is he has to take that personally. As a defender there’s pride, and you know everyone is watching. There’s millions watching, let alone in this stadium. You go home, and you analyse your performance. You get in there with the analysts and say, 'give me my clips I want to see exactly what happened, where did I see the points where I got it wrong today?'”

He continued:

“What was my approach? Did I soften my knees on my approach? Was I going in too upright? Was I going in too quick and not putting the brakes on? Go through it with a fine tooth comb. Then it’s about me vs you next week; gaffer make sure I’m one vs one with him and I’m going to prove to the world I can deal with people at this level because that’s what it’s about.”

The right-wingback lost seven of ten ground duels, was dribbled past thrice, got dispossessed on a couple of occasions and failed to create any chances.

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Vinicius Junior was Real Madrid’s most influential player against Chelsea

Vinicius was not on the scoresheet against Chelsea on Wednesday, but he was heavily involved in both Real Madrid goals.

In the 21st minute, he delightfully brought down Dani Carvajal’s lobbed pass into the box before attempting to poke it past Kepa Arrizabalaga. The 'keeper made the save only for Benzema to tap home the rebound.

In the 74th minute, Madrid took a short corner, and Vinicius engineered a bit of room to play a pass to Asensio on the edge of the box. The Spaniard hit the ball first time to find the back of the net.

Vinicius Junior created four chances, completed four dribbles, won eight of 13 ground duels, made three recoveries and committed two fouls. The Brazilian left-winger was adjudged the Player of the Match for his scintillating display.