Follow live updates from the match at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Real Madrid aims to seize the upper hand in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg against Chelsea at the Bernabéu. The white jersey returns home for the first time in two years, hoping to set the tone in the tie.
For this game, Carlo Ancelotti is without Ferland Mendy, which means the XI likely mirrors the lineup that defeated Liverpool or Barcelona. The big question remains who will fill the left wing position—Nacho, Camavinga, or Alaba—and whether Rodrygo will feature alongside Vinícius Júnior and Karim Benzema. Rumors also swirl about Rüdiger stepping into that left side if needed.
Meanwhile, Frank Lampard could welcome César Azpilicueta, Mason Mount, and Thiago Silva back into the squad after they trained with the group, increasing Chelsea’s options for the showdown.
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Reactions from Real Madrid vs Chelsea in the 2022-2023 Champions League
Comments from players and staff tick down as the final whistle approaches, capturing the mood in the dressing rooms and on the field.
Minute by minute
4:30 pm | Real Madrid chase their first home win over Chelsea at the Bernabéu. The London side, despite last season’s exit to Madrid, has often dictated terms against the Spaniards, losing just once in seven contests.
3:45 pm | Five hours before kick-off, reports from Cadena COPE hint that Ancelotti might line up the same XI seen at Camp Nou, with Camavinga on the wing, Kroos in control of the midfield, and Rodrygo teaming up with Vinícius and Benzema in attack.
The GOAL preview for Real Madrid vs Chelsea in the 2022-2023 Champions League
- Real Madrid and Chelsea meet in the Champions League knockout rounds for a third consecutive season. Chelsea reached the semi-finals in 2020-21 and claimed the title that season, while Madrid advanced to the 2021-22 quarter-finals and won the competition that year.
- Chelsea has lost only one of seven encounters with Real Madrid in European play, posting the lowest loss percentage against Madrid (14%) among teams with more than five matches against the Spaniards.
- Madrid have progressed in nine of their two-legged ties against English clubs in the Champions League, including each of the last three clashes: the 2021-22 quarter-finals with Chelsea, the 2021-22 semi-finals against Manchester City, and the round of 16 this season against Liverpool.
- Chelsea have been unbeaten in their last nine away knockout matches against Spanish sides in the competition (W3 D5) and have not lost in their previous three visits (W2 D1).
- Madrid have scored in every one of their last 30 home knockout games in the Champions League, dating back to a 2-0 loss to Barcelona in 2010. They reached the home leg advantage in several ties from 2012-13 to 2017-18, though recent campaigns have seen two early eliminations.
- Chelsea have notched six goals and three assists in eight league appearances this season for Vinícius Júnior? Actually, the stat highlights Vinícius as Madrid’s creative engine, while Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling remains a threat with eight forward contributions in the latest run.
- Karim Benzema has scored in each of his last ten Champions League appearances against English clubs, a streak that includes four goals against Chelsea, three against Manchester City, and three against Liverpool. The run highlights his knack for turning big ties in Madrid’s favor.
Where to watch Real Madrid vs Chelsea?
Probable lineups for Real Madrid vs Chelsea
Real Madrid (4-3-3): Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Camavinga; Kroos, Modric, Valverde; Rodrygo, Vinícius Jr, Benzema.
Chelsea (4-3-3): Kepa; Reece James, Koulibaly, Fofana, Cucurella; Kanté, Kovacic, Enzo Fernandes; Mudryk, Joao Félix, Havertz.
Source: GOAL