Real Madrid: Five Man of the Match candidates against Chelsea

LW Eden Hazard

Thibaut Courtois will have an unwelcome homecoming to Stamford Bridge this week, but Eden Hazard still remains adored by Chelsea fans. Funnily enough, Chelsea fans are upset at Real Madrid – not Hazard – because they feel the club is to blame for the management of Hazard’s injuries and the fact that his career has taken a step back since leaving them.

All Hazard needs to get back to being recognized as a top-five player in the world is health. We all know that misfortune has been the one thing holding Hazard back. Prior to that fateful injury at the hands of one of his countrymen, Hazard had PSG on strings and was turning in some splendid performances in La Liga, such as against Eibar inside a snowy Ipurua.

Hazard has made three injury-free appearances heading into this decisive second leg, including a start with 70 minutes of action over the weekend vs. Osasuna. The Belgian has looked very good in his return, and now it’s time for him to produce in an important match for maybe the first time in his Real Madrid career.

I don’t think anyone wants to bet against Hazard. We know the quality he possesses. In terms of individual skill, Hazard is on a different level from his peers, even Benzema. There is a chance he writes a fairytale story at his old stadium.