Thomas Tuchel laid down a challenge to the Chelsea faithful ahead of tonight's Champions League quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid. "Everybody needs to be on the top level," the Blues head coach said. "We have to set the spark but everybody needs to arrive tomorrow ready to support."
That should not be too much of a problem. When these two sides faced off in last season's semi-finals, fans were not able to enter the stadium due to Covid restrictions. This time around, Stamford Bridge will be full and ready for the occasion. A hostile atmosphere is likely to be created.
"We want to be physical, intense, focused and to at our very best," Tuchel explained in his pre-match press conference yesterday afternoon. "This is what we need. We overcame Real Madrid last season but that has nothing to do with our preparation. It's a new coach, a new team. This game is with spectators and it's good to go."
