Chelsea and Real Madrid combined XI: Blues in ascendency after first leg

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Real Madrid’s German midfielder Toni Kroos (R) challenges Chelsea’s French midfielder N’Golo Kante during the UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg football match between Real Madrid and Chelsea at the Alfredo di Stefano stadium in Valdebebas, on the outskirts of Madrid, on April 27, 2021. (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO / AFP) (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO/AFP via Getty Images) /

Right wingback: Cesar Azpilicueta, Chelsea

It has been another season of moving around for the Chelsea captain, who lately has been deployed as the right wingback. The Spaniard gives the team some added steel on the wing, while his attacking qualities are sufficient to provide the forwards with some support. Cesar Azpilicueta will likely start in the same position again in the return leg after Tuchel decided to rest him on the weekend. His quality, combined with a lack of options in the same position (Real have several players ruled out), is enough to land him a spot in the combined XI.

Central midfielder: Toni Kroos, Real Madrid

Toni Kroos wasn’t his magical self against Chelsea in the first leg, that was mostly due to Real Madrid’s decision to match Chelsea in terms of formation backfiring spectacularly. When Zinedine Zidane switched things around in the second half, Kroos looked to be much more comfortable and, as a consequence, his team looked more assured. The German’s quality continues to shine through some difficult times for Real. Los Blancos are no longer the dominant force that they once were, but they still possess talents like Kroos, who can turn the tide of the match with a single action.

Central midfielder: N’Golo Kante, Chelsea

The semifinal first leg was a timely reminder that N’Golo Kante continues to be among the best midfielders in the world. The Frenchman was everywhere and did everything from cleaning up inside his own half to supporting the Chelsea attackers at the other end. What’s more impressive is that he did so against a midfield largely considered to be among the best in history. The trio of Kroos, Casemiro and Luka Modric have been ever-present for Real Madrid in the middle of the pitch and have led it to four Champions League titles in recent times. However, Kante outperformed all three and was subsequently named the competition’s Player of the Week. He earns his spot in the combined XI thanks to that remarkable showing.

Left wingback: Ben Chilwell, Chelsea

Amid the added scrutiny that comes with a big-money move, Chilwell has quietly had a good season. The Englishman was initially sidelined for Marcos Alonso by Tuchel, but has since won his place back in the team. His spot in any combined XI might be looked at by some fans as a controversial choice. However, given the fact that Marcelo has seriously declined and Ferland Mendy has produced inferior numbers, it is a no-brainer. For a defender, Chilwell has had a very high goal output this season. He has scored three times and assisted seven in his first season as a Chelsea player. His defending has been adequate at times, if not optimal.

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