Real Madrid vs. Chelsea Combined XI for Champions League semifinals

Chelsea LB Ben Chilwell

Had Ferland Mendy been healthy, this would have been an interesting debate. As it stands, the choice is obviously Ben Chilwell, seeing as how Real Madrid may go with a back three or may have to start Nacho Fernandez at left back. (Marcelo cannot start any big games at this stage.)

Chilwell is one of the better left backs in European football and has been one of the big successes of the last summer transfer market. He’s been a huge upgrade on Marcos Alonso in terms of his all-around play, as Alonso isn’t a true left back in the same way Chilwell is. Chilwell currently has five assists in the Premier League this season.

Real Madrid CB Raphael Varane

Raphael Varane is a no-brainer. If this list were solely about form, you could argue that Eder Militao is the most in-form center back on Real Madrid. But Varane has also been quite good since returning from a positive COVID-19 test. The French international is world-class and has been a top-five center back in world football for a few years now. Varane’s reading of the game, closing speed, and aerial ability will be key against Timo Werner.

Chelsea CB Thiago Silva

Militao and the underrated Antonio Rudiger are both excellent center backs, but we need to go with another tried-and-true veteran here. Thiago Silva has been there, done that in the biggest games and has been another big-time addition to the Chelsea backline. Thomas Tuchel must love that he’s still working with Silva, who is a true leader and rarely puts foot wrong. Chelsea are better when he’s in the XI.

Real Madrid RB Dani Carvajal

Reece James is a quality right back, but he isn’t in the same stratosphere as Dani Carvajal right now. There have been many pretenders, such as Trent Alexander-Arnold, but nobody has proven they are capable of dethroning Carvajal as the best right back in Europe.

Ultimately, Carvajal’s big-game experience and all-around play win out. His return to health is a huge storyline for Real Madrid that should not be overlooked in this Champions League tie.