Chelsea will need to overcome a two-goal deficit to keep their Champions League hopes alive when they face Real Madrid on Tuesday night.
Last week’s Champions League quarter-final clash in Madrid ended 2-0 to the hosts, with Karim Benzema and Marco Asensio grabbing the goals. Chelsea will need to win by at least three goals to advance to the semi-finals, a feat that seems impossible based on recent form.
The Blues have drawn two and lost five in their last seven games in all competitions, with Frank Lampard losing all three matches since taking charge. Ben Chilwell will be unavailable after picking up a red card in the first leg, meaning Marc Cucurella is expected to replace him in the starting XI.
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So, can Chelsea turn the tie on its head in the second leg on Tuesday? We simulated their Champions League clash to take a look.
Chelsea vs Real Madrid simulated to get a score prediction
To complete this simulation, we used FIFA 23 and updated the squads with the latest injuries and suspensions.
We predict that the Blues could line up in a 4-3-3 formation, with their line-up as follows: Kepa; James, Fofana, Silva, Cucurella; Fernandez, Kante, Kovacic; Mount, Havertz, Mudryk.
We predict that the visitors could set up in a 4-3-3 formation, with their line-up as follows: Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Rudiger, Camavinga; Modric, Tchouameni, Kroos; Valverde, Benzema, Rodrygo.
It was a bright start from Chelsea, and Kai Havertz had the ball in the net after four minutes when he headed in Mason Mount's cross, but the flag was up for offside. The chances kept coming for the Blues, with their best opportunity coming in the 24th minute.
As Chelsea worked the ball around the box, the ball fell to the feet of Enzo Fernandez just outside the box. The Argentine wasn't closed down and tried his luck with a curling effort, but Thibaut Courtois managed to tip his effort that was destined for the top corner over the bar.
The Belgian 'keeper was called into action a few more times in the first half, but his saves were straightforward with Chelsea underwhelming when going forward. As the game went on, Madrid took control, and after 44 minutes they took the lead to increase the Blues' workload.
Reece James' sliced clearance was challenged by Enzo Fernandez and Toni Kroos, and the latter won the header on the edge of the box as the ball fell to the feet of Federico Valverde. The midfielder opened up his body to shoot before faking and cutting past Thiago Silva, and the Uruguayan drilled across goal and into the corner to make it 1-0.
A few more chances fell Chelsea's way in the second half, but the Blues lacked composure, with Havertz, Raheem Sterling and Joao Felix all rushing their shots and missing the target. Lampard's side failed to find the net and fell to defeat at Stamford Bridge.
FIFA 23 predicted final score: Chelsea 0-1 Real Madrid (Real Madrid win 3-0 on aggregate)
Here are the full-time stats:
FIFA 23 predicts that despite an improved performance compared to the first leg, Chelsea fell flat in front of goal, losing 1-0 in the simulation and 3-0 on aggregate to Real Madrid. Lampard's side managed more shots, but it was their finishing that let them down again, ultimately playing a big part in the Blues' elimination from the Champions League.
What do you think the final score will be? Let us know in the comments!
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