Real Madrid vs Chelsea: 5 players to watch out for | UEFA Champions League 2020-21

#3 Karim Benzema | Real Madrid

Deportivo Alavés v Real Madrid - La Liga Santander

Karim Benzema has been Real Madrid's talisman since Cristiano Ronaldo's absence and will once again be tasked with leading the line. The Frenchman has aged like fine wine and is currently one of the most in-form players in world football, as he continues to rack up the goals and cement his legendary status at the club.

The veteran striker didn't get his name on the scoresheet against Liverpool, but his tireless running and movement off the ball caused the Reds a handful of problems. Benzema can be really hard to defend against in full flow and his movement in and around the penalty area tends to open up spaces for the other attackers, so Chelsea will have to be wary of the threat posed by the Frenchman.

🎙 @raphaelvarane: "UEFA banning Madrid from UCL? We are focused on what we can control, the effort we will have to make and finding the best way to win the game. Other things are outside of our control.”🏆 #UCL ⚪️ #HalaMadrid

— Infinite Madrid (@InfiniteMadrid) April 26, 2021

The 33-year-old has scored 27 goals in all competitions so far and will look to add to his tally against Chelsea with yet another memorable goal in the UEFA Champions League.

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#2 Thiago Silva | Chelsea

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Chelsea - Premier League

Thiago Silva is Chelsea's most experienced defender and knows a thing or two about the big occasions, having played several important games over the course of his illustrious career for club and country. The Brazilian captained Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League final last season and has shown his class since joining Chelsea on a free transfer.

He missed the Round of 16 clash against Atletico Madrid, but Chelsea somehow defied the odds to make it through to the quarterfinals. While FC Porto didn't really challenge Chelsea over two legs in the next round, they are unlikely to be as untroubled against a champion side like Real Madrid.

Silva will need to be at his imperious best and marshal the backline expertly if Chelsea are to stand a chance against the record European champions.

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#1 Eden Hazard | Real Madrid

Real Madrid CF v CD Leganes - La Liga

Against his former club, Eden Hazard will undoubtedly be the star attraction, as he prepares to return to the starting XI after a lengthy injury layoff. The Belgian wizard is still adored at Chelsea, having spent seven glorious trophy-laden years at Stamford Bridge before moving to Real Madrid.

Hazard's return to the starting XI could be a massive boost for Zidane, as he looks set to partner Karim Benzema and Vinicius Jr in attack. He produced a brilliant cameo after coming off the bench against Real Betis but was unlikely to spearhead his side to a victory, as the game finished 0-0.

Eden Hazard makes his first appearance since March 13 and just his 10th in La Liga this season ⚪ pic.twitter.com/uXBwWzCTHB

— B/R Football (@brfootball) April 24, 2021

However, Zidane looks set to name him in the starting XI tomorrow and he could well be the x-factor Real Madrid, as they look to conquer Europe again.

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