Three things to look for in Chelsea at Real Madrid: Miracle in the cards?

Chelsea's German striker Timo Werner celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the English League Cup third round football match between Chelsea and Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge in London on September 22, 2021. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images) /

2 of 3

LONDON, ENGLAND – 06 April: Reece James of Chelsea and Casemiro of Real Madrid compete for the ball during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg One match between Chelsea FC and Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge on April 6, 2022 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jose Hernandez/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images) /

2. Thomas Tuchel’s defensive set-up

The beautiful thing about Tuchel is that, on the off chance he gets his tactics wrong, he’s the first to admit his blunder. This was the case immediately following the first leg against Real Madrid. The manager opted to push Reece James forward in possession, which left Andreas Christensen alone to deal with Vinicius Jr. on counterattacks. Suffice it to say, the Brazilian cooked him. Christensen put on one of the worst showings that he’s had in a Chelsea shirt as his poor decision making played a huge part in Los Blancos scoring the game’s first two goals.

It didn’t take spectators—let alone Tuchel—long to realize that Christensen was not capable of containing the attacking duo of Karim Benzema and Vinicius Jr. on the evening. The Dane was substituted at halftime and Cesar Azpilicueta slotted into the right centerback position. For many, Christensen getting taken off after 45 abysmal minutes marked the beginning of the end as he prepares to move to Barcelona in the summer. That was until Azpilicueta tested positive for COVID-19 and the 26-year-old found his way into the starting XI once again.

Christensen successfully redeemed himself with a good outing against Saints. There wasn’t much for him to do, but he at least gave his manager something to think about when selecting the team for the second leg at Real Madrid. Tuchel faces a lot of questions ahead of this important clash. He has the option of lining up with two or three centerbacks, playing Azpilicueta or Christensen on the right and of course, there’s the wingback dilemma.

All things considered, the Blues have the best chance of winning with a back three of Antonio Rudiger, Thiago Silva and Azpilicueta. The wingbacks should be Marcos Alonso (left) and Reece James (right) as they provide the most experience and solidarity respectively. Christensen played well in a 6-0 drubbing of Southampton, but that’s not enough to justify a start against Real Madrid given Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men only registered one shot on target. It wasn’t a challenge.

All of that being said, the way in which Tuchel sets his back line up could ultimately decide whether or not the Blues have a chance of getting back into this tie.

Home/Champions League