UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE REAL MADRID V CHELSEA
The most elite European club competition returns as Real Madrid host Chelsea on Tuesday night.
The first leg of the UEFA Champions League encounter brings together the most successful club in the competition against a resurgent Chelsea side.
The hosts made it into the semis by a 3-1 aggregate victory over Liverpool in the quarters, while Chelsea survived a late scare against Porto to beat the Primera Liga giants 2-1 over two legs.
After going trophyless last season, the Blues have set up a mouth-watering FA Cup final clash with Leicester and could now grab a domestic and European cup double if they keep up the pace.
Real Madrid are currently in a three-horse race for the La Liga title, but they will shortly divert their attention to the Champions League, where they’re hunting for a record 14th title.
Los Blancos have conceded just two goals in their last five Champions League matches and have won nine of their last 10 knockout ties in the tournament, but Chelsea are daring to dream under new manager Thomas Tuchel.
What time does Real Madrid vs Chelsea start?
The game kicks off at 7pm GMT at the Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium.
Real Madrid vs Chelsea team news
Club captain Sergio Ramos, Ferland Mendy and Lucas Vasquez remain on the sidelines through injury but a big boost is the return of Eden Hazard.
The Belgian could come off the bench to face his former side for the first time since leaving Stamford Bridge to partner Karim Benzema and Rodrygo up front.
For the visitors, there will not be a re-union for Matteo Kovacic against his former employers as he is ruled out due to a muscular issue.
Veteran Thiago Silva is fit and is expected to come in alongside Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta in a back three for Tuchel’s side.
Mason Mount is definitely in line to start as well as Christian Pulisic and Timo Werner who ended his goal drought against West Ham on the weekend.
Real Madrid vs Chelsea head to head
Real Madrid has never beaten Chelsea in a European competition. They have played each other twice and both finals were wins for the Blues.
Real Madrid vs Chelsea current form
The Spanish outfit are unbeaten in their last 5 matches but they have drawn three games in that run, winning twice.
Chelsea on the other hand, have won three times, drawn once and lost once in their last five games – a 1-0 loss to Porto in the quarters.
Real Madrid vs Chelsea prediction
There is no debate that Madrid are the most successful club in Europe and are tipped to take home the first leg home win, though it is important to note that Tuchel is unbeaten on the road since taking over.
The safest wager is both teams to score.
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