Ranking the teams most likely to advance to Champions League semifinals

6. Chelsea FC

Chelsea’s performance was perhaps the most shocking of all the games, as the side that had never lost to Real Madrid was schooled in front of their home supporters by a Karim Benzema hattrick that was simply too much for them to swallow.

Tuchel’s plans did not work as intended, and Real Madrid took full advantage. Chelsea’s technique of heavy pressing and gently defending backfired since the limit to the technique was maybe not communicated, which was eventually exploited by Ancelotti’s men on several instances.

The problem may also be characterized by the midfield confusion that the players have created this season with the same players that previously won them the Champions League. Tuchel’s aim was to dominate the game with the support of Kante and others, like he did last season, but the player has struggled to establish a function in the midfield with Jorginho coexisting in the same environment, which again proved to be beneficial for Real.

The referee’s full-time whistle concluded the game with Chelsea trailing by two goals with a “long 90 minutes in Bernabeu” awaiting them. Though the Blues are not entirely ruled out of the Champions League, their prospects of progressing remain minimal.

5. Villarreal CF

As we advance up the rankings, the possibilities of clubs passing through improve, and Villarreal CF is ranked fifth. Unai Emery and his merry band have returned to enrage European elites.

If qualifying for the knockout phase and even winning the round of 16 wasn’t enough for a team of purportedly low size, Villarreal came out and shocked everyone by upsetting the second-favorite to win this season’s Champions League title.

The solitary goal of the game, scored by Villarreal, should not be misconstrued as a fling because the Yellow Submarine produced several chances to score while also holding the likes of Robert Lewandowski at bay.

However, Villarreal’s advantage is hardly spectacular, and if Bayern can iron out a few creases, as they most certainly will, they will comfortably dominate the Spanish squad and mount a comeback.

As a consequence, the chances of both clubs moving to the Champions League semifinals are very much in conflict, and even if the outcome of the first leg was in Villarreal’s favour, they are still vulnerable to Bayern’s expected recovery and are therefore looking at elimination.