Chelsea held the mighty Real Madrid to a 1-1 draw at the Alfredo de Stefano Stadium in their UEFA Champions League semi-final clash. The fixture is still wide open and the two teams have everything to fight for in the return leg which is scheduled to take place at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge Stadium.
Surprisingly, Tuchel’s side enjoyed the best chances of the game and should have possibly returned to London with a victory. However, Timo Werner missed a sitter in the first half which could have changed the complexion of the entire fixture. Two away goals would have been a dream come true for the Blues who last won the elite club competition in 2012.
Despite the draw, Chelsea had plenty of positives to take back home and they could certainly put them to use when Real come to London. The 4th Official lists out two weaknesses in the current Real Madrid side that Tuchel & Co. could take advantage of in order to secure a place in the Final –
Chelsea’s Path To The Final
High Defensive Line
At the Alfredo de Stefano, Chelsea displayed their ability to break free at will against a Real Madrid side that was looking to keep the Blues movement restricted to their own half. The likes of Toni Kroos, Casemiro, and Modric were often chasing shadows as Chelsea’s attackers had ample space to run into after beating the high press of Madrid. This problem was dealt with by Zinedine Zidane as the teams went into the half-time break. However, Chelsea had plenty of chances where they could have tested Courtois in the second half, although their final product seemed to let them down on a handful of occasions that evening.
Fresh from Injury
At least three members of the Real Madrid squad that could travel to London will be returning to the squad following a stint at the nursing room at the Valdebebas. Sergio Ramos, Ferland Mendy, and Federico Valverde have all been missing from action for an average period of 15 days, implying that the Spanish side could have an advantage in the contest.
Real Madrid, in general, have been hampered by injuries this season time and again. The club will be without the services of Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vasquez who would have naturally started if the situation permitted. The Blues could take advantage of the injury problems at the Spanish capital. The injury to Carvajal implies that Eder Militao or Alvaro Odriozola would start on the right-hand side of the defence. Tuchel will want to exploit this fragile-looking area of the Real Madrid defensive line.
