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The first leg of the semifinal saw Karim Benzema cancelling out Christian Pulisic’s opener, keeping the tie nicely poised at 1-1 in Madrid last week.
Just 90 minutes separate these two teams from a place in the Champions League final as Chelsea host Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday evening.
The Blues are eager to reach the biggest match in European club football for the third time and repeat their 2012 success. A goalless draw at home is enough for Thomas Tuchel and his boys to see them through to the final, and a comfortable 2-0 victory over Fulham on Saturday was a perfect stage rehearsal for the midweek fixture. Jorginho, N’Golo Kante, Christian Pulisic and Cesar Azpilicueta were rested as Kai Havertz bagged a fantastic brace against the Cottagers – confirming their grip on the fourth spot in Premier League. With the midfield fully rested, Chelsea can allow them to run free on Wednesday, which is exactly what Thomas Tuchel’s side did last week at the Spanish capital.
Tuchel has been widely acclaimed for his role in organising an unconvincing backline to a versatile defence which has been key to their consistency in the second half of the season. However, all eyes will be on Chelsea’s attackers, especially Timo Werner – often criticised for hoarding the ball with no end product. The former RB Leipzig forward has scored 11 goals in all competitions but has been unpredictable with his form since September. If Chelsea are to establish themselves as European champions, Werner has to up his game sooner rather than later.
Madrid, meanwhile, are seeking their 14th European title and will be relying on their attacking prowess at the English capital. Los Blancos reduced the gap with league leaders Atletico Madrid to just two points, enjoying an easy 2-0 win against Osasuna last weekend, and like Tuchel, Zinedine Zidane also rested his midfield duo Luka Modric and Toni Kroos before the crucial fixture against Chelsea. In their previous encounter with the Blues, Real Madrid weathered a barrage of attacks from their guests, and the Los Merengues have suffered a number of times this season due to their unstable back four. But the French tactician’s biggest headache has been his forwards. Before the victory against Osasuna, Madrid had scored just four goals in their last five games, including three goalless draws. The issue was evident against Chelsea, with Karim Benzema’s goal being their only shot on target. So heading into the second leg, Real Madrid’s attack have a gruelling job in hand to get that important away goal at Stamford Bridge.
Key Players
Cesar Azpilicueta: Since joining from Marseille in 2012, the 32-year-old Spaniard has made over 350 appearances for the Blues and has been one of the most underrated stars of his era. The defender has played 36 games in all competitions this season averaging 1.9 tackles and 2.4 clearances per game. With an away goal advantage in hand, Chelsea just have to sit out their lead and the skipper has to lead the team by an example on Wednesday.
N’Golo Kante: The 2018 World Cup winner has proven himself as Chelsea’s nucleus for success since 2016. Kante’s stats speak for himself. With 2.7 tackles, 2.1 interceptions, 0.9 clearances and an accuracy of 87% while passing per 90 minutes – he can be found at every corner of the pitch. Currently one of the best half-backs in the world, Kante relishes playing in big games and would certainly enjoy the same against Los Blancos.
Toni Kroos: His precise passing with intelligent movement off the ball in every game has ensured Real Madrid’s place in the Champions League semifinals and kept them in the La Liga title race. A mind-boggling figure of 94% accuracy while passing with 70.8 average passes to his teammates – a well-rested Kroos will once again be at his very best in one of the most decisive games of Real’s season.
Thibaut Courtois: Even after a rough start to his second stint in the Spanish capital, Courtois has become one of Madrid’s most reliable players. The Belgian had an excellent last campaign last term and was one of the key factors in Real’s impressive defensive record. As for this season, the 28-year-old has saved his club from embarrassment more than once with some fantastic displays throughout the season. According to xG, Real Madrid were expected to concede 26.6 goals in their La Liga campaign this year. However, Courtois has only conceded 24 thus far, proving that he has performed way better than he statistically should have.
Prediction
Wednesday’s second leg encounter will be the fifth time these two giants have faced each other in Europe, with the Blues unbeaten in the previous four against Los Blancos. The match could be a cagey affair in the first half, as Madrid would push for an away goal right from the start. This could eventually wear out their wingers and allow the likes of Pulisic and Timo Werner to counter immediately. And now that the Blues are well-organised at the back, a narrow victory for Chelsea is expected as they prepare to make their journey to Istanbul later this month.
