Carlo Ancelotti’s ingenious tactic brutally exposes the Chelsea star as Real Madrid ‘eat him up’ for both goals.
TWO England legends joined fans in claiming Chelsea full-back Reece James was ‘eaten alive’ by Real Madrid’s tactics.
Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo gave James a torrid night as Real beat the ten-man Blues 2-0 in the Champions League quarter-final first leg on Wednesday.
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Ex-Three Lions centre-back Rio Ferdinand insisted Vinicius showed the defender “no respect” and Glenn Hoddle blamed James for Real’s second goal.
Supporters also flocked to say the Chelsea wideman “had no mercy” as Real swarmed him – both when he had possession and when a winger took over.
The ruthless approach of Bernabeu boss Carlo Ancelotti was praised, with one observer writing: “High-intensity football… these guys are of the highest quality.”
Another wrote: “Real Madrid players gobbled up Reece like a pride of lions to regain possession for the first goal.”
Karim Benzema’s tap-in and Marco Asensio’s skillful finish sank Chelsea, both sides of Ben Chilwell’s straight red card for thwarting the prolific Rodrygo.
And of Asensio’s defining moment, ex-Chelsea manager Hoddle said:
“Look at Reece James, he turns around.
“The ball’s played, you’re down to 10 men. Somebody has to turn them on and demand that they’re on. They turned off. They were down a man.
“You’re one man down. You have to readjust. Someone has to move to the edge of the box.
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And former Manchester United hero Ferdinand said: “Vinicius Junior showed no respect to Reece James tonight.
“Whenever Vini had the ball, he went straight for James. He’ll do the same at Stamford Bridge. He and Rodrygo play wide and high.”
Vinicius’ slippery skills were also fully appreciated.
One fan wrote: “I love James but there is absolutely no player that Vini doesn’t 1v1 when he has 90 minutes and is isolated.”
