Real Madrid: 5 burning questions after the Champions League quarterfinals

Real Madrid are through to the semifinals of the 2020-2021 UEFA Champions League. After defeating Liverpool 3-1 in the first leg, Los Blancos hung on in the second leg, drawing the Reds 0-0. Next up is Chelsea, who have become a formidable side under Thomas Tuchel.

Although Real were hobbled and coming off a grueling Clasico win, they were able to get the job done in the second leg. Let’s take a look at some big questions that emerged from the match.

Will we see Fede Valverde at right back again?

Real Madrid needed an alternative at right back. Lucas Vazquez suffered a season-ending injury in El Clasico, and Dani Carvajal was already ruled out for the second leg. So Zinedine Zidane could either start the struggling Alvaro Odriozola, or he could move center midfielder Fede Valverde to the right side of the defense.

Zizou chose the latter option, with Valverde playing through a foot injury. Valverde was a top performer for Los Blancos on Wednesday night, recording eight interceptions, per WhoScored.com.

Hopefully, Real don’t have to resort to Valverde at right back, though. He played well, but there’s always going to be a drop-off between Carvajal and anyone else. And in Valverde’s case, he can’t quite offer the same progression and crossing as Lucas Vazquez.

Even so, Valverde was very good and if Real HAVE to make a move at right back, he can be trusted. The real comparison here is to Odriozola, and it’s telling that Valverde both started over – and outperformed – a player who was known as a quality right back with Real Sociedad.