Prediction: Chelsea vs Real Madrid

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 47/20

Bookmaker: 888sport

The quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League are upon us with eight teams remaining in the quest to become European champions. All eight will fancy their chances at going all the way and given what we know about this competition, it’s hard to picture too many drab affairs between now and May. Today, we’re going to take a look at a clash between the reigning kings of the continent and the most successful club of all-time – Chelsea and Real Madrid.

Chelsea

Chelsea Football Club have had to endure some hardships in the last couple of months as a result of the ongoing struggles involving Roman Abramovich and the situation over in Ukraine. In reality, they haven’t had to deal with much in comparison to those on the ground in the country – but you just get the feeling they could be running out of steam as we approach the final furlong of the season.

Team News

Chilwell is out of action for this one with the only other fitness doubts as of this writing being Pulisic and Hudson-Odoi.

Real Madrid

Real Madrid have found their consistency and discovered its rhythm during the campaign which, in itself, is a big testament to what Carlo Ancelotti has achieved during his return to the dugout as manager. They seem to have the La Liga title pretty much wrapped up and as such, they should be able to put a real big focus behind what they could accomplish in the Champions League.

Team News

Hazard is out of action through injury with Isco being assessed before kick-off. Elsewhere, Mendy and Casemiro are back following suspensions.

Factors to Consider

• Chelsea beat Lille 4-1 on aggregate to reach the quarters whereas Madrid beat PSG 3-2 on aggregate.
• Chelsea have won five and lost one of their last six games.
• Madrid have won five and lost one of their last six games.
• Chelsea have scored 13 goals and conceded six in their last six games.
• Madrid have scored 13 goals and conceded seven in their last six games.

Conclusion

We think this is going to be a game of few chances and given the removal of the away goals rule, we’re expecting to see both sides be a bit more conservative than usual. Chelsea will want to go for it but they’ll be well aware of how vulnerable they leave themselves in doing so, especially after what happened against Brentford. In the end, we’re going to go for either a 0-0 or a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge.

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 47/20

Bookmaker: 888sport