Karim Benzema requested Reece James’ shirt after Real Madrid knocked Chelsea out of the Champions League

Even Karim Benzema recognised Reece James’ impressive performance at the Bernabeu as the Real Madrid striker went out of his way to swap shirts with the Chelsea defender after their thrilling Champions League clash on Tuesday evening.

Thomas Tuchel wrote off Chelsea’s hopes of reaching the Champions League semi-final after their 3-1 defeat in the first leg at Stamford Bridge last week.

But goals Mason Mount, Antonio Rudiger and Timo Werner gave Chelsea the three-goal advantage they needed with 15 minutes remaining at the Bernabeu.

However, a brilliant pass from Luka Modric set up Rodrygo’s goal to force extra time before Karim Benzema’s header dumped the Champions League holders out of the competition.

James, meanwhile, received widespread praise for his performance at the Bernabeu as he kept both Vinicius Jr. and Ferland Mendy quiet on Madrid’s left flank.

And Benzema was clearly impressed with James’ display as he made a for James before the Chelsea defender disappeared down the tunnel.

<p lang=«en» dir=«ltr» xml:lang=«en»>Benzema and Reece James exchange shirts pic.twitter.com/3j5v8oeFcM

Meanwhile, Thomas Tuchel praised his players for their performance against Carlo Ancelotti’s side in the return leg.

‘The players lived up to the plan in a very different way than we did against Brentford and in the first leg,’ said the Chelsea manager.

‘We were never shy of making the point that the most important thing is how we live up to a tactic, and how lively we play in a structure. It was to the full limit tonight. The credit goes to the players.

Steve McClaren says Erik ten Hag shares the same quality as Sir Alex Ferguson

Northern Ireland manager blames 'emotional' women for conceding more goals than men

Thibaut Courtois responds to