Reece James sends Antonio Rudiger three-word message on Chelsea return amid Vinicius Jr approval

Antonio Rudiger and Vinicius Jr enjoyed their battles against Reece James when Real Madrid locked horns with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday evening

Reece James has sent Antonio Rudiger a short, but sweet, message following the defender's return to Stamford Bridge. Real Madrid waltzed away from Stamford Bridge victorious on Tuesday evening, booking a place in the Champions League semi-final.

The former Blues defender helped Carlo Ancelotti's side keep a clean sheet in both the first and second leg. Despite the west Londoners' best efforts, they struggled to find the net; Joao Felix squandered a chance at the Santiago Bernabeu, while Thibaut Courtois denied Marc Cucurella from close range in the return fixture.

After the game, Rudiger posted an image of himself and James battling for possession with the blue heart emoji. Then, the England international replied by heaping great praise on his opponent. James wrote: "Strong like iron."

In the morning, James also posted an image to his feed, apologising to Chelsea fans for the defeat. The 23-year-old's caption reads: "Last night was tough to take, but we need to be better and we will be. The Bridge was rocking… thank you. I see you and appreciate you all."

"Many clubs in the Premier League would dream of our success and Champions Leagues year after year, Premier League winners. Maybe if this is a year where we're not quite where we want to be and there are probably reasons for the transition.

"A few years ago we didn't make the Champions League for the following year and Chelsea then won the Premier League the next year so you can't be too short-term with it. I think there are obviously places we want to improve at the club and maybe the level of game tonight shows that where we played a good game and we lose.

"I don't think it's time to jump too far ahead of the step that is in front of you. The step in front of us is seven games in the Premier League to show that performance. That's the standard. The end bit, being clinical and scoring is absolutely crucial and something we need to address."