A Champions League semi-final spot will be up for grabs when Chelsea lock horns with Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu
The Blues face a mountainous task of overturning Real's 3-1 advantage to stand any chance of progressing
Both teams are expected to miss the services of key players, with Chelsea without Romelu Lukaku who recently suffered an injury

Chelsea will be hoping for a Champions League miracle when they travel to Santiago Bernabeu to take on Real Madrid in the second leg of their quarter-final tie.

The Blues suffered a 3-1 loss in the reverse clash staged at Stamford Bridge, leaving them with a mountain to climb in the second leg.

Romelu Lukaku of Chelsea trains alongside teammates during a Chelsea training session in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Photo by Matthew Ashton.
Source: Getty Images

Thomas Tuchel's men need to defeat the La Liga giants by at least a 3-0 scoreline to stand a chance of progressing to the sem-final of the competition.

Match Preview

It goes without saying that Real Madrid already have one foot firmly in the semi-finals of this season's Champions League.

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Carlo Ancelotti's men will therefore have their work cut out ahead of the Tuesday night, April 12, meeting in Madrid.

The Spanish giants have all previously proved what they are capable of, having already laid a marker for their meeting with Chelsea after they recorded their eighth victory from nine in all competitions against Getafe.

However, Chelsea will be no pushovers as they boast of a talented and experienced squad that can hurt Real Madrid.

The Blues will be looking to build on their 6-0 huge win over Southampton in the EPL when they take on Real.

Team news

Real Madrid will be without centre-back Eder Militao who is serving a suspension for an accumulation of yellow cards.

Ex-Chelsea starman Eden Hazard remains in the treatment room alongside Isco and will both play no role in the Chelsea clash.

However, backup striker Luka Jovic is fit after shaking off an ankle injury, while Ferland Mendy is also available for selection.

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In the Chelsea camp, Tuchel has a raft of injury concerns to worry about, with Ben Chilwell, Callum Hudson-Odoi, and Romelu Lukaku all absent.

Cesar Azpilicueta has tested negative for COVID-19 and is set to make the Madrid trip.

Possible starting XI

Real Madrid

Thibaut Courtois; Carvajal, Nacho, Alaba, Ferland Mendy; Toni Kroos, Casemiro, Luka Modric; Asensio, Karim Benzema, Vinicius Jr

Chelsea

Edouard Mendy; Christensen, Thiago Silva, Antonio Rudiger; Reece James, Mateo Kovacic, Kante, Marcos Alonso; Hakim Ziyech, Mount; Havertz

Authors

Fred Kennedy

Fred Kennedy has a Bachelor's degree in journalism (Daystar University), currently working as a Sports Editor. He has more than five years of experience in digital journalism.