5 reasons why Real Madrid will struggle against Chelsea | UEFA Champions League 2020-21

Nacho and Karim Benzema
Nacho and Karim Benzema

#3 Real Madrid are missing their attacking edge

Real Madrid v Real Betis - La Liga Santander
Real Madrid v Real Betis - La Liga Santander

Chelsea will fancy their chances on Tuesday as Real Madrid have looked blunt in attack in recent weeks. Out of Real Madrid's last four matches, three have been goalless. Real Madrid's poor form in front of goal has kicked in at the worst time possible as the season heads to an intense conclusion.

Benzema has been in good goalscoring form but Los Blancos have had to rely on individual brilliance a lot in recent times. They will need their attackers to fire on all cylinders if they are to break down a resolute Chelsea side.

To make matters more complicated, Eden Hazard will be available after coming off the bench against Real Betis on Saturday. This will cause a selection headache for Zidane as Vinicius Jr. has done decently in the Champions League. Zizou is likely to go with the Brazilian but Hazard might be a better fit against his former club.

#2 Chelsea are defensively solid

Manchester City v Chelsea: Emirates FA Cup Semi Final
Manchester City v Chelsea: Emirates FA Cup Semi Final

Chelsea have conceded a total of nine goals in 21 matches since Thomas Tuchel took over. Five of those goals came in a single game against West Bromwich Albion but to be fair to the Blues, all of those goals came after Thiago Silva was shown the red card in the 27th minute of the game.

Chelsea are currently one of the most solid defensive units in Europe and coupled with Real Madrid's attacking woes, there's every chance that Los Blancos could be shut out entirely in Tuesday's battle. Real Madrid will need to produce something special to cut through a resolute Chelsea backline.

#1 Real Madrid's injury concerns

Liverpool FC v Real Madrid - UEFA Champions League Quarter Final: Leg Two
Liverpool FC v Real Madrid - UEFA Champions League Quarter Final: Leg Two

Real Madrid will have quite a few key players missing when they take on Chelsea. They will likely be without Sergio Ramos once again. The Real Madrid captain ought to be fit for the return leg but he is set to be sidelined as Tuesday night might come too early for him.

Ferland Mendy and Toni Kroos also sat out the goalless draw against Real Betis and their fitness is a real cause for concern for Zinedine Zidane. Kroos, alongside Luka Modric, was crucial to Real Madrid bossing it against Liverpool.

Dani Carvajal made his return from injury against Real Betis but he doesn't have a whole lot of momentum to build on when Chelsea come to visit. His deputy Lucas Vazquez is out injured, while Fede Valverde is unavailable after testing positive for Covid-19.

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Edited by Shambhu Ajith
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