Real Madrid will be playing host to Premier League side Chelsea in the first leg of the semi-final clash at the Alfredo de Stefano Stadium. With the entire European Super League saga, this clash will be under the immense spotlight as the two sides were the founding members of the cash-rich league.
Real Madrid have won the UEFA Champions League on 13 occasions and Chelsea are chasing their second title ever. The trophies might be separating the two teams by a huge margin but the form in the current season is relatable for the two sides.
Zidane has coped with the injury problems all season long and it will be no different for the French gaffer on Tuesday as well. Real Madrid will be missing four first-team regulars for the clash against the Blues in Sergio Ramos, Federico Valverde, Ferland Mendy, and Lucas Vasquez. Furthermore, the availability of Toni Kroos is still not confirmed. Here’s how Real Madrid could take to the field against Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League –
Real Madrid Predicted Line Up Against Chelsea
Defense
Thibaut Courtois will be taking charge of the goal after holding onto four consecutive clean sheets. Zidane would be expecting another decisive performance from Courtois on his reunion with his former side. Dani Carvajal will be starting at the right-back position. The full-back made his return to the side against Real Betis and was given a good spell of sixty minutes on the pitch before making way for Alvaro Odriozola. Nacho Fernandez and Raphael Varane are expected to be Real Madrid’s centre back pairing for the clash against Chelsea at the Alfredo de Stefano Stadium. It is expected that Sergio Ramos would be available for selection for the second leg. Marcelo is most likely to get the nod at the left-back position with Ferland Mendy also out injured.
Midfield
Casemiro and Modric are certain to start in the midfield. Toni Kroos’ availability is still in contention and the German could make the starting eleven in time for Tuesday evening. With Federico Valverde out injured, Isco is most likely to deputize for Kroos if the German is not fit in time.
Casemiro’s aggressive style of play will be called into action time and again against a Chelsea team that is versatile in the attacking sphere. Modric probably waits all season long for a fixture of this magnitude and he will certainly want to leave a mark on the tie with his performance.
Attack
Marco Asensio will start on the right-hand side of the attacking line. The Spaniard has let off the gas peddle in recent weeks and a solid performance is expected out of the promising youngster against Chelsea. It will not be surprising to see Asensio dropping deep and helping in defence when Madrid is not in possession of the ball. Karim Benzema will be occupying the number nine position as he has done all season long. The Frenchman is Madrid’s top scorer this season and the Santiago Bernabeu faithful will be looking up to him for a special performance against Chelsea. Eden Hazard made his return from injury against Betis and got a spell of 15 minutes on the field of play in which he looked lively. The Belgian will start on the left flank against his former side. Vincius Jr and Rodrygo will make up the numbers on the bench for Zinedine Zidane.
Real Madrid Predicted Line Up Against Chelsea
