Chelsea nearly pulled off a stunning comeback at the Bernabeu on Tuesday night, trailing 3-1 from the first leg at Stamford Bridge.
Mason Mount, Antonio Rudiger, and Timo Werner scored to put Thomas Tuchel’s team in the last four.
However, a late goal by Rodrygo forced the game into extra time, where Karim Benzema scored the game-winning goal to put Madrid through with a 5-4 aggregate victory.
After receiving an early yellow card, James did an excellent job of containing Vinicius until the Brazilian was finally able to set up Benzema for the game-winning goal.
On Wednesday, Vinicius took to social media to congratulate James on his performance, after the Chelsea defender thanked Blues fans for their support.
“A game rife with emotions.” Yesterday, we gave everything we had. “Sometimes in life, nothing is enough,” James tweeted.
“I appreciate all of your help!”
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“Great game, bro,” Vinicius Jr responded. “Best wishes.”
He was not the only Real Madrid player to applaud James’ efforts during the game.
After the final whistle, Benzema dashed down the tunnel to ask James for his shirt as the England international was leaving the Bernabeu.
Rio Ferdinand, a former Manchester United defender, praised both James and Vinicius after the game.
“Reece James was all over Vinicius, one of the world’s best wingers,” Ferdinand told BT Sport.
“And in the one time he was not looking at Vinicius, he set up the winner.”
Real Madrid has advanced to the knockout stages, where they will face either Manchester City or arch rivals Atletico Madrid.
Pep Guardiola’s team leads Atletico Madrid 1-0 going into Wednesday’s second game at the Wanda Metropolitano.
