Three things to look for in Chelsea vs Real Madrid UCL semifinal

3. The impact of injuries

We’ve covered all of the bases from tactical nuances to superstars of past and present, but now it’s time to talk about the real difference in this clash: the supporting cast. Champions League games are often won or lost by fine margins between the literal and figurative lines. This one will be no different given the injuries to both sides.

For Chelsea, the difference could be who steps in for Mateo Kovacic and/or Antonio Rudiger. I alluded to Kovacic’s direct replacement in the previous slide with Jorginho. The Brazilian-born Italian international was in the starting XI for the Blues during the first leg, so we know what to expect out of him. Jorginho played a huge part in Chelsea’s box-to-box first half dominance. His distribution was second to none on the pitch and his situational awareness kept Real Madrid’s defense guessing throughout. The Blues’ deep-lying dictator will have another vital role in the second leg, as well. He’ll be tasked with ensuring Chelsea keeps the ball moving to keep Los Blancos on the back foot. Jorginho will also have some defensive responsibilities, perhaps in front of Kurt Zouma as Rudiger’s replacement. Rudiger will, in all likelihood, start for this match. But if not, Zouma is the best “back-up” (I included quotation marks because I use that term very loosely) the Blues could ask for, especially against someone as physical as Benzema.

Luckily for Real Madrid, its star No. 9 is not one of the many names on the injury report. Los Blancos will have to put together a defense dissimilar to the one they named just a week ago in the Spanish capital. Raphael Varane and Dani Carvajal—both starters in the 1-1 first leg draw—are set to miss this match through injury. Impactful replacements in the form of Sergio Ramos and Ferland Mendy are expected to be available, so Zidane’s side isn’t doomed. Nacho Fernandez and Eder Militao are also injury-free. Given their respective performances in the first leg, that’s a huge positive for Real Madrid. Federico Valverde gives Los Blancos a boost in the midfield (not that they need one) as he looks to have recovered from COVID-19. All eyes will be on the health and performances of Mendy and Ramos though, as they look to provide the spark the side was missing back in Madrid.

What are some of the things you’ll be looking out for in the match? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!