Chelsea at Real Madrid predicted XI: A historic meeting in Madrid

The long-awaited clash between two historic clubs is finally set to happen on Tuesday night when Chelsea takes on Real Madrid. Unfortunately, this match will not be at the Santiago Bernabeu, but rather the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano. This will be the first meeting of these clubs in the Champions League. This inaugural meeting sums up how special this competition really is in comparison to another proposed competition that would have taken that feeling away.

I think I can speak on behalf of all Blues fans when I say they that we all envisioned this fixture under the lights with fans at either the Bernabeu or Stamford Bridge. It’s shame that won’t be the case with all the stakes and storylines that this match has in store for us. What I am referring to is the return of Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois, as well as the boos and cheers that would rumble throughout Stamford Bridge if fans were present at the second leg. Let’s first get this game done and bring a favorable result back home to the Bridge that will get us one step closer to the final in Istanbul.

Here’s who I think will feature in Thomas Tuchel’s starting XI for this historic first leg clash against Real Madrid:

Edouard Mendy (No. 16) Goalkeeper, Senegal 

Edouard Mendy has another opportunity to prove that he is the best goalkeeper in this competition. The stats back that statement up, but another clean sheet will make it undeniably true for the time being. Mendy has come a long way since his days in Ligue 2 and will face his toughest test in a Chelsea shirt over this two-legged tie. I have no doubt that he is more than capable to step up when called upon.

Cesar Azpilicueta (No. 28) Centerback, Spain 

Cesar Azpilicueta will return to the right side of a back three for this game after he played right wingback at the weekend. It’s safe to say this is his best position. He got caught out on a couple occasions against West Ham and Chelsea needs someone more mobile in that role. Despite all that, the captain still remains an integral part of this team. His leadership and experience will be needed when up against the attacking talent and experience Real Madrid has in its squad.

Thiago Silva (No. 6) Centerback, Brazil

Thiago Silva will be in this staring line-up Tuesday, not only because of his leadership and experience—similar to what I mentioned about Azpilicueta—but because of his recent performances. The last two games that he played in, he kept clean sheets against Man City and West Ham. Silva was rock solid and got rid of anything that may pose the goalkeeper any threat and he must do that again in order to leave Madrid with a result in the Blues’ favor.

Antonio Rudiger (No. 2) Centerback, Germany

All three of the Blues’ centerbacks leave it all on the pitch every time they play and that is invaluable as they chase Champions league glory. Antonio Rudiger’s physicality and brute strength will be needed when dealing with Karim Benzema and Rapheal Varane in aerial battles. It will be a big task for Rudiger, but his form as of late gives nobody any reason to believe he is not up to the task.