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Chelsea and Real Madrid combined XI: UCL dream team

By Joseph Joe

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 05: Ngolo Kante and Kai Havertz of Chelsea battle for the ball with Sergio Ramos of Real Madrid during the UEFA Champions League Semi Final Second Leg match between Chelsea and Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge on May 5, 2021 in London, United Kingdom. Sporting stadiums around Europe remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 05: Ngolo Kante and Kai Havertz of Chelsea battle for the ball with Sergio Ramos of Real Madrid during the UEFA Champions League Semi Final Second Leg match between Chelsea and Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge on May 5, 2021 in London, United Kingdom. Sporting stadiums around Europe remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images) /
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MADRID, SPAIN – APRIL 27 Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid battles for possession with Cesar Azpilicueta of Chelsea during the UEFA Champions League Semi Final First Leg match between Real Madrid and Chelsea FC at Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano on April 27, 2021 in Madrid, Spain. Sporting stadiums around Spain remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN – APRIL 27 Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid battles for possession with Cesar Azpilicueta of Chelsea during the UEFA Champions League Semi Final First Leg match between Real Madrid and Chelsea FC at Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano on April 27, 2021 in Madrid, Spain. Sporting stadiums around Spain remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) /

Chelsea and Real Madrid are set to clash for the second time in as many years on Wednesday in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal first leg tie. Initially when the draws were announced, there was an atmosphere of mixed feelings surrounding the Blues’ fanbase. A team they’d beaten last season—settling for a 3-1 aggregate scoreline—would they be able to do it again? Currently sitting top of the La Liga table, Los Blancos have had lacklustre performances here and there, which should give hope to any and all Chelsea supporters.

After suffering a heavy, embarrassing defeat to Barcelona just before the international break, the Spanish giants looked to bounce back in their domestic match against Celta Vigo prior to their trip to Stamford Bridge. Even without manager Carlo Ancelotti—who remains sidelined after testing positive for COVID-19—Real Madrid came out on top with a 2-1 win over its La Liga foe. Recently in the Champions League, Los Blancos staged an impressive comeback win over Paris Saint-Germain, which was inspired by Karim Benzema’s hat-trick. The Frenchman’s trio of goals made sure that his side knocked out the French league leaders and kept Real Madrid in the UCL.

Chelsea, on the other hand, had an impressive run of form end on Saturday. The Blues will look to forget this weekend’s result in a hurry as Brentford pulled off a surprise upset over the current Champions League holders. It was a stain on their morale ahead of the biggest match of the season. Yet, Chelsea has always seemed to show up in big games when necessary. In the Champions League Round of 16, the Premier League side finished off Lille, beating the reigning French champion both at home and away. The Blues will look to finish off what PSG starter, but could not finish, by eliminating the Spanish side in the quarterfinals.

Before taking a look at the combined XI between the two sides, there are some guidelines that need to be laid out. First and foremost, no injured player will be included. Only those available for selection on Wednesday are eligible to make the list. Second, the formation chosen is the 4-3-3 as it’s Ancelotti’s preferred set-up and Thomas Tuchel has utilized the formation, as well. Here is the complete combined XI featuring players from both Chelsea and Real Madrid:

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