Match Preview

Real Madrid prepare for the away leg of the Champions League semi-final against Chelsea as they make the trip to London on Wednesday.

Real were able to equalize the score in the first leg after Karim Benzema followed Christian Pulisic’s opening goal. Chelsea lead due to the away goal rule and are hosting Los Blancos at Stamford Bridge for the first time.

Real are still second in La Liga, tied on points with Barcelona and two points trailing Atletico Madrid. Chelsea are 4th in the Premier League and have won three of their last five matches played.

Real Madrid received a huge boost for this match getting three players in the squad returning from injury.

Injuries/Suspensions

Real Madrid will have Sergio Ramos, Ferland Mendy and Fede Valverde all available for this match. Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez remain out for the remainder of the season. Raphael Varane remains out as well.

Chelsea will be without Mateo Kovacic and will be getting Antonio Rudiger back for this match.

There are no suspensions for either club in Wednesday’s match.

Potential XIs

Chelsea

Mendy; Christensen, Thiago Silva, Rudiger; Azpilicueta, Kante, Jorginho, Chilwell; Pulisic, Mount, Werner

Real Madrid

Courtois; Nacho, Militao, Ramos, Mendy; Modric, Casemiro, Kroos; Asensio, Hazard, Benzema

It will be all hands on deck for Real Madrid as this is the match that decides who advances to the Final in Istanbul. Sergio Ramos will likely start after just returning from injury after several months out.

Zidane has a decision to start Marco Asensio or Vinicius and have Eden Hazard play on his off wing.

Prediction

Chelsea—Real Madrid 0-2

This is one of the most important matches of the season and Real Madrid will be prepared accordingly. This is the closest they’ve had to a full squad in months, but still with some key players out.

We could see more of a defensive game here from both sides as we sit at a 1-1 aggregate. Neither side wants to be the one eliminated so they will be playing a smart, cautious match.

This is the one that decides all and Real should be heading in with much confidence that they can get the job done on the road and advance to yet another Champions League Final.