christian buschardt
PREVIEW: Real Madrid vs Chelsea - Prediction and Team News
Tonight promises to be a great game in the first leg in this stage of the competition
The last two teams to lift the Champions League trophy lock horns in a much anticipated game as they meet in the quarter-finals of the competition and the Santiago Bernabeu.
Preview
For the third season in a row, these two elite teams meet in the Champions League.
With Frank Lampard being sacked from his duties as an interim coach for the Blues after a 1-0 loss to Wolverhampton on Saturday, Chelsea now hang 11th in the prem with 8 games left.
Chelsea spent over 300 million in the summer transfer market but still have to show for their investments. With such a poor season in the domestic league and cups, it's hard to see them so far in the biggest European competition.
Additionally, Chelsea have been dealing with managerial problems after sacking Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter within a little over a year, and now Frank Lampard. Madrid on the other hand have found a coach they are happy with in former Chelsea head coach, Carlo Ancelotti. Ancelotti pushed Madrid to a La Liga trophy last season. This season they are 2nd, trailing behind Barcelona, but have in turn been more successful in European competitions (surprise, surprise…)
Head-2-Head
The last time these two teams met was in last year's edition of the Champions League, where Real Madrid won 5-4 on aggregate.
Historically, Los Blancos have been a better side than Chelsea. Having 14 Champions League titles to their name, the Madrid team has got more experience and success in the competition
Key players
Madrid: Karim Benzema
So far in the competition, Benzema has scored 3 goals in 6 games. He is a leading sorcerer for the club in La Liga, and leads two teams as mentor and friend.
Chelsea: Raheem Sterling
Sterling currently also has 3 goals to his name, but in 7 Champions League games. He has had a mediocre season with Chelsea stat wise, but his affect on the pitch can be felt differently. One of the fastest players in Europe, he can go up and down the aisles in a matter of seconds, and will surely cause difficulties for Real Madrid.
Prediction: Real Madrid to win