Carlo Ancelotti admitted that he hopes to utilise the same tactics against Chelsea at the Bernabeu after the success Federico Valverde found at Stamford Bridge. The Uruguayan midfielder proved key for Real Madrid in the first leg of the quarter-final being moved from his usual position in the centre of the pitch, onto the right to help pen in and pressure Cesar Azpilicueta.
The method helped disrupt Chelsea's usual success from the wing-back positions, with the distance between Reece James and Andreas Christensen also exploited, as Karim Benzema inspired Los Blancos to a 3-1 win in London, leaving a very frustrated Thomas Tuchel. The Blues boss will have a big decision to make on both flanks once again.
Azpilicueta missed the Blues' trip to St Mary's to face Southampton having tested positive for Covid-19 but has since returned negative results and is with the squad travelling to the Spanish capital. Ancelotti is making it clear to his side that they must expect the best Chelsea to arrive at the Bernabeu on Tuesday evening.
