Real Madrid did not look their best against Chelsea in the first leg of the Champions League semifinals. They were fortunate not to have surrendered more than the one goal in the first half, and they needed Karim Benzema to create something out of nothing to equalize. And other than Benzema’s individual brilliance, the Real attack had little going for it.
But despite all the issues at ever level of the pitch, Los Blancos are very much in this tie at 1-1. Better yet, they actually have three legitimate reasons to be optimistic heading into the second leg at Stamford Bridge.
A chance to rest
Real Madrid can have three world-class players at 100 percent by the time they face Chelsea next Wednesday night. Eden Hazard returned from injury over the weekend against Real Betis, and he looked solid in both substitute appearances against Los Verdiblancos and Chelsea. There is a chance he starts against his old club next week, and that could be the spark Real need.
But there are two more players to think of. They are the midfielders who have led the team to success this season, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos. Neither were at 100 percent, coming off injuries or outright playing through them vs. Chelsea in the first leg.
Both midfielders should be rested this weekend vs. Osasuna and ready to go for the second leg of the Champions League. The difference between them at 100 percent and what we saw against the Blues in the first leg is massive. It could be enough to push Real ahead of their Premier League opponents next week.