Real Madrid Starting XI Prediction vs. Chelsea for second leg of Champions League quarterfinal

CM Toni Kroos

A possible curveball would be Carlo Ancelotti starting Eduardo Camavinga for the extra defensive work and running, as the young French midfielder was sensational against Getafe. However, it is far too risky not to start Toni Kroos. As we saw in the first leg, he can subtly help this team so much, especially since they will likely face an even more aggressive press from Tuchel in the second leg; Chelsea will be desperate to make a statement. And make on early.

Kroos has gone through some mediocre patches of form this season, but he’s also been unplayable at times. With some rest after the Getafe match, Kroos could be primed for a vintage display at the Bernabeu. If he can drop an 8 out of 10, that would go a long, long way in helping Real Madrid secure the tie.

DM Casemiro

Casemiro is finding his form again. After receiving a great deal of criticism, Casemiro was brilliant against Getafe, even scoring a diving header to give Los Blancos the lead. Though he struggled with his ball security in the first leg at Chelsea, Casemiro was very composed against Getafe. Case’s weaknesses will always be on the ball against the press, but he more than makes up for these issues with his defensive work. There is no better midfielder in the world at the art of defending.

CM Luka Modric

The Croatian magician was world-class against Chelsea in the first leg, just as he was out-of-this-world in his previous Champions League match against PSG. Luka Modric offers so much to Real Madrid with his leadership, ball-carrying, shooting, defensive work rate, and playmaking. There are few players who can create chances in transition quite like Modric, and you can be sure that Carlo Ancelotti will take advantage of that with his newfound partnership between Modric and the young Fede Valverde down the right flank of Real.