Chelsea vs Real Madrid Preview - 18/04/2023 - UEFA Champions League
In the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final, the Santiago Bernabeu hosts a clash between the last two victors of Europe's most prestigious footballing prize, as defending champions Real Madrid welcome Chelsea.
Carlo Ancelotti, reuniting with his former club, led his team to a commanding 6-2 aggregate victory over Liverpool in the last 16. On the other hand, the Blues mounted a comeback, overcoming a first-leg deficit to secure a 2-1 win against Borussia Dortmund.
Amidst speculation about a potential return to the Stamford Bridge dugout, as the West Londoners' leadership actively searches for a new permanent head coach, the seasoned Los Blancos' boss aims for an impressive fifth Champions League title.
Displaying composure during the last-16 first leg, when Liverpool took a 2-0 lead, Ancelotti's team responded decisively, scoring five unanswered goals at Anfield and securing a 1-0 win at the Bernabeu to advance smoothly.
Chelsea vs Real Madrid Prediction - 18/04/2023 - UEFA Champions League
Despite Chelsea's impressive track record of avoiding defeat against Champions League winners, their streak is likely to come to an end in a comprehensive manner.
Villarreal exposed vulnerabilities in Ancelotti's defensive setup, indicating that Los Blancos are not impervious at the back.
However, considering Real Madrid rested key players over the weekend, they should enter the first leg with confidence, aiming to secure a substantial lead before heading to Stamford Bridge next week.
Chelsea vs Real Madrid Head-to-Head
- Chelsea 2 - 0 Real Madrid (05 May 2021)
- Chelsea 1 - 3 Real Madrid (06 Apr 2022)
- Real Madrid vs 2 - 3 Chelsea (12 Apr 2022)
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Chelsea vs Real Madrid Predicted XI
Real Madrid Predicted XI (4-3-3): Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Nacho; Modric, Camavinga, Kroos; Valverde, Benzema, Vinicius Jr
Chelsea Predicted XI (3-4-3): Kepa, Badiashile, Fofana, James, Cucurella, Kante, Enzo, Kovacic, Mudryk, Sterling, Joao Felix.
Latest team form
Real Madrid: W W L W W L
Chelsea: L L L D L D
Team News - Injury and Suspension List
Real Madrid
-
Ferland Mendy: Muscle Injury
Chelsea
- Armando Broja: Knee Injury
- Kai Havertz: Knee Injury
- Carney Chukwuemeka: Other
- Kalidou Koulibaly: Thigh Injury
- Ben Chilwell: Red Card
- Ruben Loftus-Cheek: Lower Back Injury
Real Madrid's medical staff is focused on the recovery of Ferland Mendy, the only player currently sidelined with a calf injury sustained in training last month.
Following the strategic rest in the recent Villarreal defeat, key players like Modric, Kroos, Militao, and Camavinga are expected to return to the starting lineup. Valverde, involved in an incident with Baena, is likely available for Wednesday's game despite a filed complaint.
For the Premier League giants, meanwhile, Mason Mount is doubtful due to a recurring abdominal issue, and Broja and Azpilicueta are still on the recovery path. Thiago Silva has made the journey, and Kante, rested as a precaution, is anticipated to return alongside Chilwell, the standout performer against Dortmund.
Notably, Badiashile, Aubameyang, Madueke, and Fofana are not included in Chelsea's Champions League squad.
Where to watch Chelsea vs Real Madrid
- Australia: Stan Sport
- Brazil: HBO Max
- Spain: Movistar+, Movistar Liga de Campeones
- UK: BT Sport 1, BT Sport Ultimate, BBC Radio 5 Live, TalkSport Radio UK, BTSport.com, BT Sport App
- USA: Paramount+, Univision NOW, SiriusXM FC, Univision, TUDN USA, TUDN.com, TUDN App, VIX+