Chelsea vs Real Madrid Preview:
Possible starting lineups:
Chelsea:
Mendy; Silva, Rudiger, Christensen; Azpilicueta, Jorginho, Kante, Chilwell; Mount, Pulisic; Havertz
Real Madrid:
Courtois; Odriozola, Militao, Nacho, Mendy; Casemiro, Kroos, Modric; Asensio, Benzema, Vinicius Jr
Chelsea welcome Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge for the second leg of their Champions League semi-final battle on Wednesday night. The first match played at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano last week ended 1:1. Christian Pulisic scored the opener in the 14th minute, but Karim Benzema equalized 15 minutes later with a beautiful goal. It was Benzema's 71st Champions League goal and he become the joint-fourth highest scorer in the competition. Only Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Robert Lewandowski have now scored more than Benzema. Real failed to secure any advantage ahead of the trip to London, but according to the experts, should be happy with the result. Chelsea were superior and might even regard themselves as unfortunate not to take an advantage into the return at Stamford Bridge. Real Madrid registered just one shot on target during the whole 90 minutes. On other side, it is unbelievable what Timo Werner missed in the first half when his shot from only six yards went straight at keeper Thibaut Courtois. However, 1:1 is an excellent result for the Blues and the whole pressure is on Zidane's side.
Chelsea are playing very good under Thomas Tuchel. The German coach is successful on all three fronts - in the Premier League, in the FA Cup and in the Champions League. Chelsea are inside Top-Four in the Premier League and secured the FA Cup final after eliminating Manchester City. But most of all, the owner Roman Abramovich is pleased with the results in the Champions League. They managed to beat Atletico Madrid and Porto in the previous stages of the competition. The players confidence is very high at the moment. On Saturday Chelsea beat Fulham with 2:0 and remain on the fourth place. Kai Havertz was the player of the match after scoring both goals. With only four games of the domestic season left to play, everything is in their own hands. Tuchel will try to use the momentum for another success. The German coach has almost all players available ahead of this match, only Mateo Kovacic is sidelined due to injury. Mason Mount is expected to be fit despite a scare against Fulham. Antonio Rudiger, who sustained a minor injury in the first leg, should be ready in time. The German coach has to decide about the attack - the fans are asking out-of form Werner to be benched. It is obvious he lost the confidence.
Real Madrid are in complicated position, they failed to secure advantage as hosts. But Real should not be underestimated as they are 13-time winners of the competition. It's very simple, they are the most successful side in Europe. Los Blancos have already eliminated Atalanta with 4:1 aggregate win, and Liverpool in the quarter-finals with 3:1 aggregate win. The domestic form is improving, Real beat Osasuna during the weekend. It was a hard victory, Real were unable to score until the 76th minute. However, centre-back Eder Militao netted a header, while Casemiro confirmed the victory four minutes later for the final 2:0. Three points from this match sees Real pile the pressure on Atletico Madrid at the top of the La Liga. Next round will be very important as Top-Four teams play between them - Barcelona host Atletico, while Real face Sevilla. Zidane has some injury worries at the moment. Captain Sergio Ramos is struggling with a calf injury, but the medical team remain optimistic over his fitness for the match in London. Varane, meanwhile, is ruled out with an abductor issue. Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez are also sidelined, while Ferland Mendy is doubtful with a calf problem. Midfielder Federico Valverde isn't sure and his appearance depends of the latest coronavirus test.
Chelsea vs Real Madrid Prediction:
Real have to score in order to keep their promotional hopes alive. And I believe they are able to find the back of the net. Chelsea, meanwhile, will have lot of space for the fast counter-attacks. I expect both teams to score at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea vs Real Madrid Pick: Both teams to score - Yes @ 1.95 with 10Bet