How Real Madrid could line up against Chelsea | UEFA Champions League 2020/21

Real Madrid v Chelsea - UEFA Champions League Semi Final: Leg One
Real Madrid v Chelsea - UEFA Champions League Semi Final: Leg One

Midfield

Real Madrid v Chelsea - UEFA Champions League Semi Final: Leg One
Real Madrid v Chelsea - UEFA Champions League Semi Final: Leg One

Zidane opted to rest Luka Modric and Toni Kroos for their weekend game against Osasuna in LaLiga, and the midfielders are in line for starts at Stamford Bridge. Kroos and Modric looked weary in the reverse fixture and were run ragged by N'Golo Kante, and appeared to be in need of some rest ahead of the second leg.

Modric, in particular, looked jaded in the second half and will be vital for Real Madrid to progress through to the Champions League final.

Kroos and Modric will be supported by Casemiro to complete the midfield trident in the middle for Real Madrid. The Brazilian was a phenom against Liverpool in the previous knockout round and will have to be at his very best to help Real Madrid dominate the midfield against Chelsea.


Attack

Real Madrid v Chelsea - UEFA Champions League Semi Final: Leg One
Real Madrid v Chelsea - UEFA Champions League Semi Final: Leg One

Karim Benzema had a huge say in the first leg as it was his sublime volley that gave Real Madrid a solitary goal in Spain. Even apart from his vital strike, the Frenchman's display was superb on the night and he will be one of the first names on the teamsheet for their reverse fixture at Stamford Bridge.

Partnering him in attack on the left side is likely to be one of the most celebrated names in Chelsea's modern history, Eden Hazard.

The Belgian left Chelsea in 2019 and has missed a staggering 58 games due to injuries since then. Real Madrid will hope the former Blues star makes the difference for them against Chelsea in West London. Hazard started their previous game against Osasuna and was in great touch, and he is in line for a start on Wednesday.

Hazard's start could see Vinicius Jr being limited to a roll off the bench. The Brazilian was largely ineffective against Chelsea in the reverse fixture, but his searing pace and dribbling ability could be useful against Chelsea later in the game.

Spanish winger Marco Asensio could complete Zinedine Zidane's front line, reprising his role on the right side of attack. Asensio played a similar role against Liverpool where he tucked into midfield out of possession to add further solidity in the middle and could do so against Chelsea as well.

Asensio also has more experience playing in bigger games than someone like Rodrygo Goes, and the Spaniard is likely to be given the nod on the right side of the attack.


Also read: 5 Players with most nutmegs in Europe this season (2020/21)

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Edited by Sai Teja
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