Chelsea vs Real Madrid match preview: UCL quarterfinal first leg

Predicted XIs

Chelsea (3-4-1-2): Mendy, Chalobah, Silva, Rudiger; Azpilicueta, Kante, Jorginho, James; Lukaku, Pulisic, Havertz

Real Madrid (4-3-3): Courtois, Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Mendy; Casemiro, Kroos, Modric; Asensio, Benzema, Vinicius

Chelsea form

Burnley 0-4 Chelsea (Premier League)

Norwich 1-3 Chelsea (Premier League)

Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle United (Premier League)

Middlesbrough 0-2 Chelsea (FA Cup)

Chelsea 1-4 Brentford (Premier League)

Real Madrid form

Real Madrid 4-1 Real Sociedad (La Liga)

Real Madrid 3-1 Paris Saint-Germain (Champions League)

Mallorca 0-3 Real Madrid (La Liga)

Real Madrid 0-4 Barcelona (La Liga)

Celta Vigo 1-2 Real Madrid (La Liga)

Prediction

Real Madrid has to be the firm favourite in this game following a better start after the international break and all the uncertainty surrounding Chelsea, despite the Blues’ impressive defensive record. Chelsea’s home form has been somewhat average this season in the Premier League as it has won only half of its 14 games at home. The Blues have dropped points against sides like Burnley, Brighton and Everton. Meanwhile, Real Madrid has the impressive form of Benzema to fall back on. Los Blancos also have a ton of confidence after coming from behind against PSG in the Round of 16. They will now look to get a positive result against the defending champions of Europe’s premier competition.

Chelsea will need to be a lot better than it was in its performance against Brentford, but it is hard to see the champions not conceding at least a goal after that abysmal showing. Just like last weekend’s opponent, Real Madrid will be dangerous on the counter and from set-pieces with the pace of Vinicius and the scintillating form of Benzema in front of goal.

Expect a high-tempo game from the home side in the first half with crisp and accurate passing. There will be that one final pass missing in the final half to create a goal, as per usual from the Blues. However, as the game progresses, the aging defense of Chelsea will become more vulnerable to Real Madrid’s counter-attacking threat. Whoever scores the first goal will be the more comfortable side and will go on win the game. I will predict a victory for Los Blancos, despite Chelsea having the majority of the possession. Goals scored by the aforementioned, world class attacking duo of Benzema and Vinicius.

My prediction: Chelsea 0-2 Real Madrid

What is your prediction for the match? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or on Twitter!