Chelsea vs Real Madrid (Second leg) Preview

After Chelsea lost 2-0 at the Bernabeu one week ago, Chelsea have a mountain to climb if they want to get back into this, and remain in the Champions league.

Chelsea have struggled to score goals as of late, however a minimum of two goals will be needed at Stamford Bridge in order to attempt the impossible and cause an upset in this game.

Chelsea Lineup:

As we know, Chelsea have to score 2+ goals to stay in this tie. Therefore we can expect an attacking intent from the off, and this should start with a positive line up. This is why I have chosen the 4-3-3 formation for Chelsea and I do believe Lampard will opt for this too.

There is of course a chance Lampard will deploy a 3-4-3 or 3-5-2, however with Chillwell being suspended I cant see Lampard using this system as the main strengths Chelsea have when playing this system is the bombing wingbacks and they would be missing one of them in Chilwell.

By playing a 4-3-3 it allows Chelsea to start more attackers, which you would think gives them more chance in scoring goals. Chelsea have struggled in front of goal all season and they will need a lot of good fortune against Real Madrid to score the 2+ that is needed. The best way to give themselves a chance though, is by starting the players who can make things happen and make the Madrid defenders think.

I believe if Chelsea have any chance in getting back into this tie, they will need the magic from Joao Felix that we know he is capable of, and the electricity of Mudryk which we have seen in glimpses. Mudryk could prove to be a real issue for Real Madrid to defend and by using his pace and ability to go 1v1 down the left flank it could certainly cause Real Madrid to panic. Mudryk of course has already played Real Madrid this season with Shakhtar before joining Chelsea in January. Both times Mudryk faced Madrid he caused the opposition right back a lot of problems (The first game Lucas Vasquez, the second game Dani Carvajal).

For Chelsea to have a chance in this game, the line up HAS to be right.

Momentous Occasion:

The size of this game is no secret amongst the fanbase and ownership of the club. If Chelsea lose this game, they are out of the Champions league and will not be returning to the competition for the 2023/24 campaign.

Lampard has acknowledged the importance and difficulty of this game in his press conference where he said " We have to fight very hard to make this comeback happen, and of course it would be very special".

In a large squad, that has lacked ambition and winning mentality this season, this game is the one where players will have to be up for it. The very least the fans want to see is effort, desire and hunger to at least attempt pulling off a miracle. This game will truly show who wants to fight for the badge, and who does not.

(Image from Chelseafc.Awaydays on Twitter)

Chelsea fans want to create an atmosphere for the game, to encourage the players like they did when Chelsea beat Dortmund 2-0 at Stamford Bridge. If Chelsea are going to win this game, they need all of the small things to go their way, and this includes the atmosphere playing its part in the game and allowing Chelsea to create a hostile environment for Real Madrid.

Conclusion:

In conclusion this is going to be a tough game for Chelsea, but the players, fans and owners know the importance of this fixture and hopefully this means at the very least we will see some passion and hunger from the players to attempt to deliver an upset.