Prediction: Real Madrid win
Best Odds: 12/5
Bookmaker: 888sport
It’s crunch time in the UEFA Champions League as four teams prepare to battle it out for two spots in the final – also known as the biggest game on the club football calendar. Both semis ensured that we’re in for an unpredictable finish to end this round and today, we’re going to look at a game that is bound to produce fireworks. They drew in the first leg, but something tells us Chelsea and Real Madrid are going to be a bit more free-flowing when they collide at Stamford Bridge this week.
Chelsea
The resurgence of Chelsea Football Club under the tutelage of Thomas Tuchel has been pretty fascinating to watch and now, they stand on the verge of a Roberto Di Matteo-esque end to the season between their top four push, a Champions League semi-final and the FA Cup final. There’s no guarantee any of those races are going to go their way but Tuchel is determined, and he’s also getting positive results after just a few months in charge.
Team News
Kovacic is the only confirmed injury absence for the hosts in this one with the big hope for Tuchel being that he can welcome Rudiger back to the team, although that decision will be made closer to kickoff.
Real Madrid
Between a title race and yet another push towards success in the UEFA Champions League, it’s not exactly a surprise that many fans believe Zinedine Zidane is one of the best managers in world football. The Frenchman just knows what it takes to go far in this competition and even though they’re the ones who need to score if they want to have any hope of going through to the final, we still think plenty of pundits are going to be favouring them.
Team News
Marcelo is a major doubt for this one after choosing to fulfil his obligation to be part of a polling station in the Madrid Assembly elections. Elsewhere, Ramos and Mendy are doubts with Carvajal and Vazquez being ruled out entirely.
Factors to Consider
- In the first leg, Real Madrid and Chelsea played out a 1-1 draw.
- Chelsea have won three, drawn two and lost one of their last six games.
- Real Madrid have won two and drawn four of their last six games.
- Chelsea have scored five goals and conceded two in their last six games.
- Real Madrid have scored six goals and conceded one in their last six games.
Conclusion
Neither of these sides are blowing teams away at the moment and that’s probably because of the other commitments they have in domestic football. However, we think this is going to be the sort of open and wild second leg that really showcases the very best Europe has to offer. We believe Chelsea will be the ones who go into a first half lead but eventually, Real will use their grit and experience to fight back before securing a 2-1 win that gets them into the final.
Prediction: Real Madrid win
Best Odds: 12/5
Bookmaker: 888sport
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