Real Madrid at Chelsea, May 5
A few days after that match against Osasuna, Real Madrid will go up against Chelsea in the second leg of the Champions League semifinals. Los Blancos drew the Blues 1-1 in the first leg, and they were lucky to get a draw, too. Real scored on their only meaningful chance, courtesy of a volley from world-class striker Karim Benzema, who bailed out the team yet again. Meanwhile, Chelsea had many good opportunities to score in the first half, as they sliced open Real’s midfield and had a great time picking on left wing back Marcelo.
So it all comes down to the second leg for Los Merengues. They have to win. They have to prove to the world that they are the best team and can win a fourth Champions League title under Zinedine Zidane, under the most difficult circumstances yet.
Real Madrid will need players like Eden Hazard, Marco Asensio, Vinicius Junior, and Fede Valverde to step up to the plate in the second leg. They need a better performance from their wide players, who were all dreadful in the first leg. And that’s not acceptable against a team like Chelsea, which has been dangerous under Thomas Tuchel.
Chelsea are good, but Real should be better. They need to prove it next Wednesday night at Stamford Bridge. And with rest and key players returning, I think they will do just that. Never underestimate the importance of having Ferland Mendy and Sergio Ramos healthy.
Prediction: Real Madrid 2, Chelsea 1