Real Madrid has a lot of problems ahead of facing Chelsea in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final at the Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium, Wednesday (28/4).
Madrid not only against Chelsea in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final, but also other non-technical factors that can affect Los Blancos’ performance.
The concentration in the Spanish League standings until the threat from UEFA regarding involvement in the European Super League is a number of aspects that disturb Madrid.
This semifinal fight is important for both teams. Especially for Madrid, this season could be a momentum for Los Merengues to reach glory after almost slumping in recent seasons.
Meanwhile, Chelsea, wants to continue the good trend with Thomas Tuchel this season.
Madrid, whose performance was doubtful from the start in various competitions, could prove themselves until they reached the semifinals. At the start of the season, Zinedine Zidane’s team seemed to be underestimated because they did not sign players.
This was exacerbated by the fact that Madrid actually sold potential players such as Achraf Hakimi, Sergio Reguilon, and Oscar Rodriguez in order to get fresh funds to survive the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
However, even without the recruitment of new players, Karim Benzema and his friends can prove that they are ‘champions’ in the Champions League.
After almost running aground in the group phase, Madrid successfully passed Atalanta to cripple Liverpool in the quarter-finals. Now, the semi-final match against Chelsea is the real test for the capital club.
It’s just that, ahead of fighting the Blues in the first leg later, Madrid seem to be confused with a number of problems.
One of them, Madrid’s concentration is divided between the Spanish League and the Champions League. Madrid still has a chance to win in La Liga and the Champions League.
In domestic competition, Madrid threw away the opportunity to stick tightly to Atletico Madrid at the top of the standings after being held by Real Betis 0-0, Sunday (25/4).
In that match, Madrid fielded their best strength, only minus Marcelo, Toni Kroos and Vinicius Junior who were saved against Chelsea.
However, Madrid’s strength was also unable to break into the Betis goal guarded by Claudio Bravo. With only one point against Betis, Madrid are now two points behind Atletico, but have the same points with Barcelona.
This condition is not favorable for Madrid, because the Blaugrana still have one match in savings, and have the potential to overtake Los Blancos.
Another situation that could disturb Madrid is the threat from UEFA regarding the European Super League. UEFA made Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus in the spotlight regarding this Super League.
The reason is, the three clubs still insist on being in the European Super League. Meanwhile, nine other clubs have withdrawn. According to UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin, his party needs to impose different sanctions on clubs that were involved in the Super League.
Seeing Ceferin’s statement, Madrid has the potential to be severely sanctioned because it is still echoing the competition that separates itself from UEFA.
This hopeful situation has the potential to affect Madrid’s performance against Chelsea. If Madrid off guard, Chelsea can win this first leg like against Atletico in the last 16.
On the other hand, with Madrid remaining focused against Chelsea and unaffected by La Liga standings, the 13-time Champions League winners could overthrow the London club in the first leg.
What’s more, the host will appear with the mainstay players. Marcelo, Kroos and Vinicius can be played, as well as Sergio Ramos.
Madrid’s report card against English clubs is also quite charming, winning 17 times and losing 13 times in 42 meetings.
Chelsea felt different conditions. Technically and nontechnically, the Blues are better than Real Madrid.
In the last match, Chelsea defeated West Ham United 1-0, who were their main rivals in the race for the top four of the Premier League.
In addition, Chelsea also has an away report card in the Champions League this season which is very impressive because they always win in four matches.
In the first leg of the semifinals, Chelsea not only hope for victory, but also continue the trend of beating teams from Spain.
In the 2020/2021 Champions League, Chelsea have met representatives of Spain twice. Against Sevilla in the group phase and met Atletico Madrid in the last 16.
Interestingly, Thomas Pulisic and his friends did not lose when they met the two Spanish representatives. In Group E, Chelsea were offset by Sevilla 0-0 at home, then won 4-0 at home to the opponent.
Better results occurred in the round of 16. After winning 1-0 at the Wanda Metropolitano, the London club won 2-0 at Stamford Bridge.
This neat report card can be a capital for Chelsea against Madrid, which is considered to have a tradition of winning in the Champions League.
Apart from this season’s report card, Chelsea also have a good record against Madrid in Europe. The match will actually be the first meeting for Chelsea and Madrid in European competition since 2000.
The last time Chelsea played Madrid was in the European Super Cup in the 1998/1999 season. At that time Chelsea won 1-0 thanks to a goal by Gustavo Poyet.
Before the duel in the European Super Cup, Chelsea twice against Madrid in the 1970/1971 Cup Winners’ Cup. From these two matches, Chelsea won once (2-1) and drew one.
Apart from the statistics above, Chelsea’s strength is also more complete than that of Madrid. In the first leg, only midfielder Mateo Kovacic will miss Chelsea.
The composition of Chelsea players this season is more even. Each sector also has a chance to score goals. When attacking lines like Kai Havertz, Timo Werner, or Olivier Giroud are deadlocked, Chelsea can rely on Mason Mount, Pulisic, and Ben Chillwell.
Coach Thomas Tuchel also has more flexible tactics at Chelsea. The German coach did not always play Werner up front or Havertz in midfield.
As a variation of the playing strategy, Tuchel can play Havertz up front and put Werner back a little. That flexibility can be a real threat to Madrid. Because attacks and goal opportunities for the visitors can come from any line.
