Chelsea welcome Real Madrid to Stamford Bridge in the first leg of their Quarter-Final tie in 2021-22 UEFA Champions League.
Thomas Tuchel’s Blues overcame Lille to qualify for this stage whilst Real Madrid came from behind to eliminate PSG and advance to this stage.
Team News
Christian Pulisic could return for Chelsea after missing Saturday’s Premier League loss to Brentford due to a late return from international duty for USA.
Callum Hudson-Odoi (Achilles) could feature but Ben Chilwell (knee) remains absent.
Real Madrid will be without Isco as the midfielder recovers from a back injury despite resuming training on Sunday.
Miguel Gutierrez (muscle), Luka Jovic and Eden Hazard (both ankle) remain absent.
Stat Attack
- Chelsea are unbeaten in five meetings against Real Madrid in all competitions (W3, D2).
- Real Madrid lost their only previous visit to Stamford Bridge, losing 2-0 in May 2021 as Chelsea won 3-1 on aggregate en route to last season’s title.
- Both draws between Chelsea and Real Madrid have finished 1-1, although neither draw took place at Stamford Bridge.
- Chelsea have scored 11 goals without conceding at home in this season’s Champions League (W4).
- Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois has made 23 saves in four away matches in this season’s Champions League.
Prediction
Having been rocked by Saturday’s shock lacklustre domestic loss against Brentford devoid of sharp attacking on top of poor defending, Chelsea certainly need a huge reaction across the entire pitch if they’re to finish this first leg still fighting to defend their title.
Real meanwhile were certainly made to fight for their La Liga win at Celta Vigo on Saturday and are on course for a 35th domestic league title, so can afford to focus largely on this tie which could leave them free to play their game without pressure.
Tuchel’s Chelsea though know how to beat Real after defeating them in last season’s semi-finals but this is a reformed Real under Carlo Ancelotti, who will be a much harder team to stop with Karim Benzema particularly in hot goalscoring form up front this season.
On that note, Chelsea simply can’t turn out another lacklustre effort otherwise they will certainly face elimination heading into the second leg, so I do expect them to make their decent home form in European competitions this season count to some extent.
Prediction: Chelsea 1-1 Real Madrid]
Result: Chelsea 1-3 Real Madrid
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