Champions League: Can Chelsea Capitalise on Real Struggles in Madrid?

Real Madrid vs Chelsea

Real Madrid will not be heading into their Champions League semi-final first leg against Chelsea in the best of shape. They have suffered a couple of setbacks which have seen their La Liga title hopes take a significant hit and are also dealing with a few key injury concerns.

But Los Blancos must now turn their attention back to Europe, where they face another stiff Premier League challenge in the form of Chelsea.

Real took care of reigning English champions Liverpool in the previous round quite handily. But the Champions League 2021 betting odds for this semi-final clash will be close as Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea, who beat Atleti in the round of 16, have looked like one of the top teams in Europe since the German’s arrival.

 

Talking Points

Real Madrid losing steam in La Liga title race

Real Madrid’s hopes of retaining their La Liga title have taken another hit after a 0-0 draw at home against Real Betis. It is Real’s second goalless draw in their last three games, which leaves them two points behind leaders Atletico Madrid while playing one game more.

Manager Zinedine Zidane opted to field quite a strong side against Betis, with Karim Benzema, Casemiro, and Raphael Varane playing all 90 minutes despite their huge midweek fixture. Luka Modric also played 77 minutes.

However, they were still without a number of key players, with Toni Kroos, Ferland Mendy, and captain Sergio Ramos all missing out due to injury. Fede Valverde also remained out due to COVID-19.

Kroos’ absence would be a massive blow for Real. The German midfielder was instrumental in their first-leg victory over Liverpool. Isco will likely get the start once again if Kroos can’t play, but the Spanish international has had a disappointing season and is unlikely to make too many Champions League 2021 highlights.

Meanwhile, Real’s other hero against Liverpool – Vinicius Junior – could also return to the starting line-up. However, he may not have as much of an impact with Chelsea capable of preventing counterattacks.

On the bright side for Real, Eden Hazard is back fit and could be available to face his old club. The 30-year-old Belgian, who spent seven terrific years with the Blues, came on as a substitute against Betis, his first appearance for Real in over a month.

 

Chelsea’s Werner returning to form

Chelsea are now in pole position for the fourth and final Champions League place after their big 1-0 away win against top-four rivals West Ham over the weekend. Timo Werner scored Chelsea’s winner, his first league goal for the Blues since Feb. 15th.

Despite his lack of goals, the German had shown signs of turning his form around. He assisted their opening goal against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League round-of-16 second leg, as well as the winning goal against Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-finals.

Werner led the line for Chelsea against West Ham, with Christian Pulisic and Mason Mount in support. But with Tuchel still constantly rotating his attack, Kai Havertz and Hakim Ziyech are candidates to come into the side.

Former Real Madrid man Mateo Kovacic is the only significant injury concern Chelsea have to deal with at the moment, so Jorginho will likely continue to partner N’Golo Kante in midfield.

 

Kante’s presence should make an already excellent Chelsea defence even better. The Blues have conceded just a single goal in the last seven games the French midfielder has started.

Chelsea have been outstanding away from home in the Champions League this season. They have won all five matches while conceding just one goal. They have also gone unbeaten in 10 away games with Tuchel in charge (eight wins, two draws) and have given up just three goals.

 

History

This will be Real Madrid and Chelsea’s first-ever clash in the Champions League. They had met three times previously in other UEFA competitions: twice in the 1971 Cup Winners’ Cup and in the 1998 UEFA Super Cup. Chelsea are undefeated in those three matches, with two wins and a draw.

Real have a strong record against English opposition on home soil. They have won nine of 18 matches, with six draws and three defeats. Meanwhile, Chelsea have won only six of 20 away matches in Spain, with eight draws and six losses.

 

Betting Tip 

	Real Madrid vs Chelsea	Under 2.50 @ 1.71
	April 28, 03:00 (GMT+8)

SBOTOP odds have Real Madrid as narrow 2.34 favourites to win the first leg at home. Chelsea are priced at 3.05, while a draw is not far behind at 3.15.

While Real Madrid have risen up to the occasion in the big games this season, it is hardly out of the question for Chelsea to escape the Estadio Alfredo di Stefano with a win.

On the other hand, though, Chelsea are unlikely to be too aggressive in the first leg and will likely play with a more cautious approach. And with Real Madrid’s weakness in attack, this has all the makings of a low-scoring affair, so take the under.

A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR () BETS ARE WORTH:
= €20 (Highly confident)	= €10 (CONFIDENT)	= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)

Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.

 

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