Chelsea vs Real Madrid preview: critical UWCL battle at Kingsmeadow

After a relatively simple win, having secured the three points by halftime at Stamford Bridge against Spurs, Chelsea now turns its eyes to arguably one of the most essential matches of the season in the most elite European competition. A third-place Real Madrid side in Primera Division led by Alberto Toril travels to Kingsmeadow, just two points behind the Blues in Group A of the Champions League group stage.

Toril’s side beat Vllaznia 2-0 in their first European campaign match and battled Paris Saint-Germain to a scoreless draw at home. Despite the fact that Real Madrid gave its rivals, Barcelona in the Champions League last season a run for its money, it is clear this ambitious side has a long way to go in order to be competing with the best of the best consistently in Europe. The acquisition of former Manchester City midfielder, Caroline Weir during the previous transfer window projects the willingness to take the club to the next level, but at this moment in time, there is no question who is in better form.

Ahead of the third UWCL tie of the season, Emma Hayes spoke on the importance of stopping Weir, stating:

"“She’s a really clever player there is no doubt…If she plays as a false nine she will overload the midfield, which I think she probably will do…If she plays as a wide seven or eleven, she will give us problems on the inside to let the full-back bomb on. She picks up spaces in the pockets very well. “So we’ll have to be ready. There may be times our back four will have players on the outside of them, but no one occupying the inside spaces. We have to be calm about that and not let her drag herself into difficult areas.”"