Real Madrid – Chelsea

Chelsea in a one-game format should not be considered an outsider

Chelsea will play away against Real Madrid on Tuesday 12 April. The London club lost the first leg 1-3. At the same time, it cannot be said that the fight in this encounter is over. Real were very efficient in their attacks. A gross error by goalkeeper Edouard Mendy also helped. Chelsea disproved reports of a crisis by showing a prohibitive level of play against stalwart Southampton. Thomas Tuchel's side crushed their opponents 6-0. The Londoners have no significant injury problems. In terms of the quality of the game, a two-goal win for Chelsea does not look like an unrealistic scenario. In London, the team had a lot of chances. The English have a great opportunity to rotate the squad. This could have an impact at the end of the second half when Madrid's veterans start to give up. The advantage in terms of intensity is definitely with the visitors. Real Madrid played a warm-up game against Getafe between the two games against Chelsea. Carlo Ancelotti gave many of the leaders a rest. In particular, Kroos and Modric were not included in the starting line-up. Even Marcelo and Bale were out. Madrid took three points and saved their strength. Real Madrid are unsure of their game after a heavy defeat to Barcelona. The team has no margin of safety. Defensively, mistakes are made in almost every encounter. The only significant problems for Real are Ferland Mendy. All the other players in the main squad are ready to take the field. Carlo Ancelotti has previously surprised on many occasions with defensive models. This may be roughly the plan for the game in Madrid. The bookmakers, meanwhile, give Real Madrid the clear favourite, even in the second leg. It's obvious that the home team won't force things. The psychological factor will also work. Ancelotti's team will benefit from "drying out" the game and relying only on counterattacks. Chelsea have a good chance of winning in the one-match format. Tuchel will clearly change his tactics. The club will definitely have scoring chances, as Real do not have a perfect defence. It is important to take the odds on Chelsea, so far it is around 3.00. It is very likely that closer to the match, the odds for the opponents will equalize. The home field factor in Madrid is unlikely to be important. Importantly, Chelsea have scored in each of their last ten matches in the APL and Champions League. Even a single goal from the Londoners would make a big difference. This is going to be a relatively productive encounter. It could also end in a blowout for either side. Chelsea will push hard, while Real Madrid are more interested in counterattacking. In the last Champions League, the Londoners scored against Madrid in both games.