Real Madrid hosts Chelsea at the Santiago Bernabéu for the opening leg of the Champions League semi-final, kicking off the high-stakes clash between Europe’s elite clubs.
The quarterfinals of Europe’s premier competition begin for Real Madrid on Wednesday as the blancos welcome Chelsea to Madrid in a tie that pits two storied teams against each other in a duel to reach the final in a competition where only eight remain.
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Carletto assembles the squad
For his starting XI, Carlo Ancelotti is expected to deploy a familiar lineup. A question mark hangs over Ferland Mendy’s injury, leaving the left-back position open between Nacho Fernandez, Eduardo Camavinga, or even David Alaba, who could slot in on the left and allow Antonio Rüdiger to partner with Eder Militao in central defense. On the right, Dani Carvajal is anticipated to take his place, with Thibaut Courtois in goal anchoring the defense.
In midfield, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos are the pillars, supported by Camavinga or Tchouameni depending on the defensive shape. Up front, Vinicius Junior, Karim Benzema, and Federico Valverde form the attacking trio, aiming to recapture the Bernabéu’s energy after recent events as Madrid look to extend their impressive home record. The club’s fans remain steadfast in support.
Chelsea arrive with changes
Chelsea head into the tie with uncertainty surrounding their form and managerial situation. The Blues sit outside the Premier League top spots and have endured upheaval, including the departure of Graham Potter and the appointment of Frank Lampard as interim coach. The tactical setup is expected to shift to a 1-4-3-3, moving away from the three-centered midfield structure Potter preferred.
Several players face fitness doubts, including Raheem Sterling, Mason Mount, and César Azpilicueta, though Sterling offers the best chance to feature. Kepa Arrizabalaga guards the net, with Marc Cucurella or Ben Chilwell at left-back. In midfield, Mateo Kovacic, N’Golo Kante, and Enzo Fernández will look to control the tempo, while Joao Félix partners Kai Havertz and a third attacker from the options of Sterling, Pulisic, or the talented Mudryk. Notably, Benoit Badiashile and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang are unavailable for Champions League duties.
For Real Madrid supporters looking for live updates, the action is followed across major outlets and platforms as teams converge for a dramatic knockout round.
Follow all the latest Real Madrid updates via the official channels recommended by the club and trusted media partners.
LINEUPS OF REAL MADRID VS. CHELSEA
Real Madrid (1-4-3-3): Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Nacho/Tchouameni; Modric, Camavinga, Valverde; Vinicius, Benzema, Kroos
Chelsea (1-4-3-3): Kepa; James, Fofana, Koulibaly, Cucurella/Chilwell; Kovacic, Kante, Enzo; Sterling/Pulisic, Havertz, Felix
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Note: All information reflects current competition rules and squad availability as reported by trusted sports outlets.