Real Madrid 2-3 Chelsea: Three talking points after UCL thriller
3. Until next year
Chelsea’s 3-2 victory in Madrid officially marked the end of its Champions League defense. The Blues bowed out of this year’s tournament with a prideful performance that more than justified their position as one of the continent’s best teams. Even amidst all of the uncertainty at the club right now, there is no doubt this side will be back next year. Chelsea will be hungrier than ever and motivated to recapture its throne that resides over European football.
The conclusion of the exciting two-legged tie with Real Madrid also sees the two sides pull level at one round per piece in the last two seasons. The Blues advanced in last year’s semifinals with a win over Los Blancos and Real Madrid bettered its English foe this time around. This is setting the stage for a modern rivalry in European competitions, built on a mutual respect and a plethora of class players. I think I speak for every Chelsea fan and player when I say that I would personally love to square off against the Spanish giants again in next season’s Champions League. This series needs a conclusion—if it’s set to be a best out of three—or an extension. The foundation has been laid for an all-time great modern rivalry between two of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Both Chelsea and Real Madrid are currently trending in the right direction, which only elevates the stakes. It’s the worst kept secret in football that Kylian Mbappe will likely be joining Los Blancos this summer on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain. The Blues will undoubtedly continue to back Tuchel in the transfer market once the ownership situation is sorted out, as well. They will continue to strengthen their ranks. This is an exciting prospect to both sets of supporters as there is nothing better than squaring off against a rival with each team putting out a full-strength XI.
The seeds have been planted and the roots are now beginning to grow in the early stages of this rivalry between some of football’s most recognizable brands. Round two went to Real Madrid, but I can guarantee this will only motivate Chelsea to come back even stronger in the UCL next year. Football fans would surely be in for a treat if the Blues squared off with Los Blancos again in the knockout stages next season.
dark. Next. Real Madrid 2-3 Chelsea player ratings: Madness in Madrid
What are some of the things you took away from the second leg thriller? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or on Twitter!