Chelsea vs Real Madrid: Champions League clash preview

The white team heads to Stamford Bridge chasing a spot in the Champions League semi finals, arriving with a two goal cushion from the away leg.

Real Madrid will contest the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter finals in London on Tuesday. They travel to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, aiming to protect a 2-0 lead from the victory in the Bernabéu.

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Madrid welcomes Vinicius and Kroos back

The Spanish giants come to the United Kingdom with two major returns to strength. Vinicius Junior and Toni Kroos are back at their best after missing the most recent league match against Cádiz due to injury. Both are expected to start for Carlo Ancelotti, who could keep faith with the XI that beat Chelsea last Wednesday. If so, Thibaut Courtois would be in goal; a back four of Dani Carvajal, David Alaba, Eder Militao and Eduardo Camavinga; a midfield trio of Kroos, Luka Modric and Fede Valverde; with Rodrygo Goes, Karim Benzema and Vinicius leading the attack.

Yet Carletto has other options as well. He could move Nacho Fernández to the left, shift Camavinga into the center if Kroos does not start, and even use Aurélien Tchouaméni in a pivotal role after a strong showing against Cádiz on the weekend.

Chelsea face a tough test

For Chelsea, the visit from Real Madrid comes at a difficult moment. Frank Lampard’s side sit eleventh in the Premier League and are closing out a season that has seen a string of results slip away. They arrive having lost 1-2 at home to Brighton, and they will be without several players through injury or suspension. The left back position is a concern after Ben Chilwell was sent off in the first leg, leading to a rethink in the back line with Marc Cucurella or Cesar Azpilicueta likely to step in.

There are doubts across the squad that add to the challenge. Kalidou Koulibaly and Kai Havertz are managing niggles that could influence selection. Lampard could lean on the defense to be rebuilt with Wesley Fofana returning to partner Thiago Silva. The likely shape remains a 1-4-3-3, with Enzo Fernández, N’Golo Kanté and Mateo Kovacic shielding the middle. Up front, Joao Félix, Raheem Sterling and a third attacker, possibly Hakim Ziyech or Christian Pulisic, will be tasked with breaking down Madrid’s back line.

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LINEUPS OF CHELSEA VS. REAL MADRID

Chelsea (1-4-3-3): Kepa; James, Wesley Fofana/Koulibaly, Thiago Silva, Cucurella/Azpilicueta; Kovacic, Kanté, Enzo Fernández; Pulisic/Ziyech, Sterling and Joao Félix

Real Madrid (1-4-3-3): Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Camavinga; Modric, Kroos, Fede Valverde; Rodrygo, Benzema and Vinicius

WHEN AND WHERE IS CHELSEA VS. REAL MADRID

THE CALLS FOR CHELSEA VS. REAL MADRID

As of now there are no official lists of called players announced by either side ahead of the game.

INJURED AND DOUBTS FOR CHELSEA VS. REAL MADRID

CHELSEA

REAL MADRID

SCHEDULE AND WHERE TO WATCH CHELSEA VS. REAL MADRID IN THE USA

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Citations: Coverage for this match is provided by Goal, with in-depth previews and updates throughout the tie. Users should consult official broadcast listings for country specific availability. (Goal)