It hasn’t been much of a bright past few weeks for tonight’s rivals – Real Madrid conceded four in El Clasico seventeen days ago but sort of shook it off in a tight win over Celta Vigo while Chelsea were demolished by Premier newbies Brentford 4-1 at Stamford Bridge past Saturday afternoon.Confidence is wobbly among the ranks of both sides but it seems Los Blancos have a bit more self-esteem – before tonight’s first leg of the quarterfinals clash, they eliminated favourites Paris Saint-Germain from the competition. On the other hand, the London Blues’ wounds still hurt after the Bees stung them and they ‘only’ had to move past Lille in the previous Champions League round.#UCL : Real Madrid has NEVER defeated Chelsea or teams coached by Tuchel in competitive football. pic.twitter.com/otfMv27bOn— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) April 6, 2022 It will be a repeat of the 2020-21 Champions League semi-finals and Carlo Ancelotti’s men’s phenomenal comeback against the Parisians puts pressure on Chelsea who were outsiders last year but carry the burden of title defenders in this campaign. Also, off-stage issues at Stamford Bridge seem to slowly but steadily leave an impact on the playing staff.The continued uncertainty surrounding the Chelsea ownership debacle is doing the Champions League holders no favours, but the Blues’ defence of their crown is going swimmingly so far having no resounding opponents facing them till now. Up until the weekend, Chelsea had done a stellar job of focusing on their on-field endeavours, but Thomas Tuchel was at a loss to explain his side’s capitulation against Brentford.The Blues were six-game unbeaten run in all competitions before their fall to Brentford, which is far from what the doctor ordered before meeting a giant such as Real Madrid. The Blues’ defence was breached at will by Brentford at the weekend, but Tuchel’s side enter the first leg having won each of their last five home games in the Champions League with five clean sheets to brag with.Benfica’s old foe executes again as Liverpool dominate in PortugalReal Madrid became the latest side to frustrate Les Parisiens further with a phenomenal comeback in front of the Santiago Bernabeu crowd. Prolific Frenchman Karim Benzema and his timeless qualities shone through, as the 34-year-old took advantage of PSG’s defensive lapses to net a quickfire hat-trick and keep the Champions League dream alive for Real. Benzema’s hat trick saw him move onto eight Champions League goals for the season, and one more would see him set a new record for French players in a single campaign.However, the marvelous result against the French powerhouse was dampened with the 4-0 thrashing by Barcelona in El Clasico and as we said – Real were far from their best against Celta Vigo at the weekend.Los Blancos went down 2-0 to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last term following a 1-1 stalemate at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano, but the Blues will step out onto more daunting turf for the second leg this year.De Bruyne finds a gap in Atletico’s wall – City will take a 1-0 lead to MadridAs far as availability among the troops, Chelsea will have most if not all of their big-hitters available for the first leg of their quarter-final – apart from Callum Hudson-Odoi, who is now dealing with a back problem as well as a sore Achilles, and Ben Chilwell as the wingback remains out for the long-term.Christian Pulisic did not take part against Brentford as he saw a late return from international duty – but the USA international is expected to come into contention on the left at Timo Werner’s expense.What might lead Tuchel to consider a switch to a three-man central defence is Reece James’s return to fitness while in the midfield – Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic are expected to operate.🚨 IT’S REAL MADRID Vs CHELSEA TONIGHT! 😍🔥WHOSE SIDE ARE YOU ON? 🔥#ChampionsLeague #Ucl pic.twitter.com/VbaZoaHOqD— AZR (@AzrOrganization) April 5, 2022 Chelsea’s former star man, now a member of the La Liga table toppers – Eden Hazard – will be forced to miss out on a reunion with his former club (not as if anyone expected Ancelotti to rely on the Belgian). Hazard underwent a fibular plate operation while backup offensive options Isco and Luka Jovic are also absent.Apart from the mentioned trio, Ancelotti is well-stocked for the first leg but there is pressure regarding the return leg – Eder Militao could miss it if he is not careful. Only one change could occur on the visitors’ end, with Dani Carvajal potentially displacing Lucas Vazquez along the right sideline.Clean sheets at home in the Champions League is something Chelsea know how to do but conceding four to Brentford before being faced with a striker such as Benzema could bring fear to the Blues’ still shocked backline.UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUEQuarter-final, first legTuesdayManchester City – Atletico Madrid 1-0 (0-0)/De Bruyne 70/Benfica – Liverpool 1-3 (0-2)/Nunez 49 – Konate 17, Mane 34, Diaz 87/Wednesday22.00: (2.15) Chelsea (3.35) Real Madrid (3.80)22.00: (5.60) Villareal (4.00) Bayern (1.67)***odds are subject to change
