Chelsea and Real Madrid face off once again in the first leg of their high-profile Champions League quarter-final tie tonight.
The heavyweight fixture is a repeat of last-season’s semi, when second-leg goals from Timo Werner and Mason Mount at Stamford Bridge following a hard-fought draw in Madrid saw Thomas Tuchel’s side tee up an all-English showpiece against Manchester City in Porto.
Holders Chelsea had been in impressive form of late despite the significant off-field distractions provided by an ongoing takeover battle, though such a defiant run was sharply halted by a humiliating 4-1 defeat at the hands of west London rivals Brentford.
They will hope to bounce back quickly against Real, the 13-time champions of Europe who currently sit 12 points clear at the LaLiga summit and produced a stunning comeback to eliminate Paris Saint-Germain in the last-16.
Here, Standard Sport’s James Robson looks at where tonight’s big game will be won and lost...
Back to a back three
Tuchel’s decision to play a back four against Brentford cannot be blamed for their 4-1 humbling, but they always look more comfortable with a three. Crucially, that system gives the wing-backs the chance to push up high — and with Reece James fit again, he could be one of their key assets tonight.
Real will not like his pace out wide or constant attempts to stretch them.
Kova or Jorgi?
Chelsea’s go-to midfield of N’Golo Kante and Jorginho has been broken up by the form of Mateo Kovacic. The former Real player is realising his full potential under Tuchel and could be in line to start against his old club.
Whereas Jorginho’s control of the ball and passing range has been so key for Chelsea, Kovacic’s power and ability to break the lines could disrupt the flow of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.
Contain Benzema
Easier said than done. The Frenchman is producing vintage form at a time when some might have expected him to begin to wind down.
He is Real’s main man up front and can hurt Chelsea in so many ways. His match-up against Thiago Silva will be a key battle, but it will take more than the Brazilian to keep him quiet.
