Real Madrid vs Chelsea: 5 players who will decide the first leg

Real Madrid CM Luka Modric

As I’ve mentioned in the previous slide, it is the result of the midfield battle that can most likely determine the result of the game. If there is any player who can win that midfield battle for Real Madrid, it is the greatest midfielder of this generation, Luka Modric.

The Croatian is still going strong at the age of 37 and has been Real Madrid’s big-game player this season. His performance in the second leg against PSG is the best example to talk about how he can win games for his team with a single pass or single dribble, while also being focused and disciplined throughout the 90 minutes.

He is aging, and he doesn’t have that blistering pace anymore, but he is still amongst the most hard-working players at Real Madrid. His work rate is a very important trait, but what’s going to be crucial on his Wednesday is his ability to operate in tight spaces and quick transitional play.

Chelsea maintains a disciplined and compact defensive structure, and it becomes very difficult to break through them from the middle. They can be beaten on the break, but teams can’t keep waiting for a break and need to create something from open play as well. This is where Luka Modric matters the most. He can withstand the pressure from Chelsea and can operate between the lines, helping the team find a way through the middle.

He needs to be at his best against Chelsea, and it would be even better if Carlo Ancelotti uses him to his strength and doesn’t ask him to focus more on off-the-ball work.