Chelsea vs Real Madrid: 3 Blancos the Blues must stop

Chelsea has a very slim chance of getting to the semifinal of the UEFA Champions League, but they have to go through Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid first. 2-0 down from the first leg leaves Frank Lampard’s Blues with an uphill battle as they welcome the men in white to Stamford Bridge. Overcoming the deficit from the first leg can only be possible if the Blues can stop Madrid, and they can only do that if they can nullify these three players:

3 Real Madrid stars Chelsea must stop

Vinicius Jr.

Fondly referred to as ‘Vini’ by fans, the 22-year-old has really come into his own, with this being his second season in a row of hitting at least 15 goals and 15 assists in all competitions. He is on course to register 20 goals and 20 assists in all competitions for another season in a row. Vinicius Jr. has completed more dribbles than any other player in the UCL (36) as well as the most progressive carries (60).

The Brazil international has attempted 25 take-ons in three games against Liverpool and CFC in the tournament this campaign and has completed 13 of them. This includes 4/6 completed takeons against Chelsea in the first leg. The Madrid superstar had a superb game against Wesley Fofana and Reece James. These two players would have to make sure that the young Blancos doesn’t have a joy ride in the second leg as well. At nine goals and four assists so far in the UCL, Vinicius Jr. has been key for the Spanish giants this season and this game would be decided by how poorly Lampard’s men can force him to perform.