Champions League quarter-finals’ second legs are here. Job has to be done as none of the teams have secured their spot in the last four. However, Chelsea have an uphill task against Real Madrid in the second leg. The Blues travel to Santiago Bernabeu with a two-goal deficit to be overturned. Madrid won 3-1 at the Stamford Bridge as Chelsea became a casualty of a Karim Benzema masterclass. Real meanwhile are in some fine form, and won’t provide as an easy passage for Chelsea.
Real Madrid have once again proved why they are record winners of the Champions League. The Los Blancos suffered a defeat at the hands of PSG in the first leg of the round of 16. Benzema was the man again whose hat-trick knocked out PSG in the second. Cometh the hour cometh the man at the Stamford Bridge as well. Karim Benzema’s second consecutive hat-trick stunned Chelsea. Real Madrid are on course to clinch the La Liga and come against Chelsea with utmost confidence.
Real Madrid Champions League form: W W L W W
Chelsea’s Champions League defence is fading away. The Blues are already having external disturbance in the takeover process, which transpired on the pitch. Chelsea faced Real Madrid in the first leg on the back of a 4-1 drubbing at the hands of Brentford. Just when the Blues were looking for redemption, Real inflicted another loss. However, Chelsea showed some resilience with their 6-0 thumping over Southampton at the weekend. Although it’s a confidence-boosting win, 3-1 is still a bridge too far to cross over.
Chelsea Champions League form: W D W W L
Real Madrid vs Chelsea: Team News
The Los Blancos’ team news
Real Madrid will miss the services of many players against Chelsea, mainly attackers. Isco, Eden Hazard, and Luka Jovic are out for the tie. Furthermore, Ferland Mendy is a doubt too. Isco is out with a back injury, whereas Luka Jovic is nursing an ankle injury.
Former Blues player Eden Hazard will be sidelined for this return leg as well due to an ankle injury. Full-back Ferland Mendy was out for the Los Blancos’ game against Getafe in the league and is a doubt for this game. As usual, Nacho could start on the left replacing Mendy. Federico Valverde’s solid display in the first leg should earn him a start here.
Real Madrid’s possible starting lineup:
Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Nacho; Modric, Casemiro, Kroos; Valverde, Benzema, Vinicius Jr.
The West Londoners’ team news
Along with a herculean task, Thomas Tuchel has a long list of injuries to deal with. Covid has again taken a toll on the Chelsea squad. Cesar Azpilicueta missed the weekend’s Southampton game after he tested positive for Covid. However, the captain has since returned negative tests and should be OK to travel.
Callum Hudson-Odoi and Ross Barkley will not travel too. Barkley is suffering from illness and misses the game. Moreover, in a fresh blow, Romelu Lukaku will also be an absentee. The record signing has sustained a sore Achilles and nursing the same. Timo Werner had a good game over the weekend and could start here.
Chelsea’s possible starting lineup:
Mendy; Christensen, Silva, Rudiger; Reece James, Kante, Jorginho, Alonso; Havertz, Werner, Mount
Our Prediction
Real Madrid 2-1 Chelsea
Chelsea may have a say against Real Madrid, but not enough to overturn the deficit. Bernabeu has been playing a crucial part in Real’s home games, as was evident against Paris Saint-Germain. The Blues’ Champions League defence comes to a premature end after this clash. Real Madrid are genius minds of the competition and know how to churn out results. They will just see off this game safely to progress through to the semi-finals. However, A Madrid win is on cards.
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