Chelsea vs Real Madrid, 2021 Champions League Semifinals: Predicted lineups

Real Madrid visit Chelsea in the return leg of the Champions League Semifinals. Los Blancos will need to overcome the 1-1 deficit on away goals they currently have after the first leg, and will get much needed help from Sergio Ramos, Ferland Mendy and Fede Valverde, who have recovered from their injuries and will be available.

Still, even if they’re ready to play, it’s not clear if coach Zidane will deploy them in the starting XI given that they could lack some conditioning.

Real Madrid predicted XI: Courtois, Nacho, Militao, Ramos, Mendy, Casemiro, Kroos, Modric, Hazard, Vinicius, Benzema.

Chelsea predicted XI: Mendy, Christensen, Silva, Rudiger, Azpilicueta, Chilwell, Kante, Jorginho, Mount, Pulisic, Werner.

Hazard seems ready to start and make an impact against his former team, so Zidane could use him alongside Vinicius and Benzema upfront. Valverde and Nacho could be competing for the starting right-back spot but it’s likely that Nacho earns the call, which would allow Valverde to come off the bench with intensity.

HOW TO WATCH, STREAM CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Date: 05/05/2021

Time: 21:00 CET (local time), 03:00pm EST.

Venue: Stamford Bridge, London, United Kingdom.

Available TV: TUDN (USA), Movistar Liga de Campeones (Spain)

Available Streaming: Paramount+, TUDN.com (USA), Fubo.TV (USA).

Managing Madrid has affiliate partnerships. These do not influence editorial content, though Vox Media may earn commissions for products purchased via affiliate links.