A heavyweight European clash awaits Chelsea as Thomas Tuchel and Co. prepare to play Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League semifinal. The Blues will visit Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano to play the first leg of the tie. A goal, or even a win, would be a massive advantage for the team to carry into the second leg a week later. However, that is easier said than done. In Real Madrid, Chelsea is facing one of the toughest European outfits. Regardless of how their domestic season is going, Los Blancos almost always turn up in the Champions League. Furthermore, they have plenty of players who have been in similar situations in recent years and know what it takes to make it all the way to the final—and even win it.
While they may not be as experienced as their opponents, there is no shortage of talent in the Blues’ ranks. As such, we take the best players out of the two teams and try to assemble them in a squad, based on legacy and form. The choice formation for this article is 3-4-3, while players who are either injured or suspended have been left out. The likes of Sergio Ramos and Mateo Kovacic do not make the final cut for this reason.
More from Champions League
- Chelsea 0-2 Real Madrid: 3 Blues positives and negatives
- Chelsea vs Real Madrid: 3 Blancos the Blues must stop
- Why you can’t count out Chelsea in the UCL against Real Madrid just yet
- Real Madrid 2-0 Chelsea: 3 Positives and 3 negatives
- Real Madrid 2-0 Chelsea: 3 lessons learned in UCL quarterfinal loss
Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois, Real Madrid
When mentioned, the name Thibaut Courtois invokes anger and hatred amongst the Chelsea fans. The Blues faithful are appreciative of the talent the Belgian possesses, although not so much of the circumstances in which he exited the club. Nevertheless, looking from a neutral point of view, there aren’t many goalkeepers in the world who are better than the ex-Chelsea man at the moment.
Edouard Mendy has had a good season in goal for the Blues, but he is no match for Courtois. The Belgian shot-stopper is back to his absolute best in Madrid after a difficult first season and has had matches where he almost single-handedly saved his team from defeat.
Centreback: Cesar Azpilicueta, Chelsea
It is difficult to pin Cesar Azpilicueta down to just one position, given the incredible versatility the man possesses. The Spaniard was deployed as a wingback at the weekend against West Ham United. However, he is at his defensive best when used as the right-sided centreback in a three-man defence. That position allows him to contribute defensively, while also providing him with the opportunity to overlap and join the attack as required.
Azpilicueta has been one of the most consistent players in Europe during his time at Chelsea. The veteran defender is reliable and rarely lets his team down. He did sit out the early months of the campaign under Frank Lampard, but is back among the starters under his successor. He has enjoyed a successful season since being restored to the first XI by Tuchel.
Centreback: Thiago Silva, Chelsea
It is incredible what Thiago Silva is doing at the age of 36. The experienced defender is showing no signs of slowing down and was among the best in the Premier League, especially during the first half of the season. He has suffered from some recent patches of poor form and injuries. Nonetheless, his experience alone makes him the perfect candidate for the combined XI.
Among the current Chelsea squad, Silva is the player with the most recent Champions League final experience. The Brazilian defender led his backline when his former side, Paris Saint-Germain, took on Bayern Munich in the final last season. While his team did lose on the night, Silva himself enjoyed a decent game. Due to his experience, Chelsea will rely upon him to deal with the Real Madrid attack and lead the team to victory.
Centreback: Raphael Varane, Real Madrid
If certain reports are to be believed, Raphael Varane could even be playing for Chelsea in the near future. The Blues have seemingly turned towards the Frenchman as they look to end their search for a defensive leader. However, he will line up for the opposite side when Chelsea takes on Real Madrid. In the absence of captain Sergio Ramos, much of the defensive responsibility will fall on his shoulders.
Varane certainly has the attributes to shoulder that responsibility and lead the defensive line. He has been a key member of the Real Madrid squad ever since being discovered by Jose Mourinho. Los Blancos won three Champions League titles back-to-back-to-back with him in the centre of defence alongside Ramos.