Real Madrid: 5 burning questions after the first leg vs. Chelsea

Will Real Madrid get more out of their wingers next week?

All Madridistas can do is look forward to the second leg. The team did not play well in the first half, but they did enough to respond to the pressure and avoid a bad outcome at home. So now, everything hinges on next Wednesday evening’s clash at Stamford Bridge.

Importantly, Real Madrid will need to score at least twice if they want to advance in relegation. Meaning, they will need their attack to look a lot better than it has in recent matches against Chelsea, Getafe, Real Betis, and Liverpool in the second leg.

That comes down to the wingers stepping up. Vinicius Junior was not involved enough in the first leg, while Marco Asensio has been poor over the last few games since scoring against Liverpool in the first leg of the quarterfinals.

Real Madrid need to get more production out of Asensio and Vinicius or Eden Hazard, if the latter is ready to start against his old team. Hazard starting would be a massive boost, but it is something Madridistas cannot count on, noting his injury history. Therefore, one of Asensio, Vini, or even Rodrygo will have to rise to the occasion at Stamford Bridge.

Will the midfield be 100 percent next time?

Real Madrid’s midfield trio of Casemiro, Luka Modric, and Toni Kroos is the best in the world when they are fully healthy and clicking. They have so much quality, complement each other perfectly, and, of course, have Champions League-winning experience.

But none of them played to their level against an excellent Chelsea midfield. Casemiro was mistake-prone, giving up the ball in dangerous positions while trying unnecessary flicks. Kroos played well in the second half but looked clearly hobbled. Luka Modric is clearly tired and needs rest badly. He was very much not himself.

If Real Madrid can find rest for these players and if they can be at 100 percent next week, Madridistas should have full confidence in Los Blancos advancing. The midfield has been the key to Real’s success this season, and they need to be at full strength in the second leg.