However, they put up a valiant effort in Spain, with Karim Benzema and Marco Asensio scoring the decisive goals for Real Madrid. Unfortunately, Chelsea's performance in their recent Premier League match against Brighton & Hove Albion was underwhelming. They were outplayed by the Seagulls, with Conor Gallagher's deflected strike being canceled out by Danny Welbeck's header and Julio Enciso's rocket. According to Lampard, the final score of 2-1 flattered Chelsea, and they were lucky not to have lost by more. This defeat extends their winless run to six matches, including three defeats in Lampard's short reign as interim Blues boss.
Despite this, Chelsea has managed to progress to the last eight after reversing a first-leg deficit against Borussia Dortmund at Stamford Bridge. Moreover, the Blues have advanced from five of their last seven Champions League ties in which they lost the first leg away from home. However, they have not won any of their last four matches at Stamford Bridge since their victory against BVB.
On the other hand, Real Madrid comes into this match with a 2-0 lead, and they will be looking to maintain their advantage and secure a place in the semi-finals. Asensio, who scored in the first leg, also came up with a crucial contribution in Los Blancos' recent match against Cadiz. While the La Liga champions have been patient in recent matches, they will be keen to prioritize continental glory as the season approaches its end.
Real Madrid has an impressive record in the Champions League, having progressed from 18 of their 19 knockout ties in which they won the first leg by at least two clear goals. They have a chance to set a new continental record if they win their sixth successive Champions League knockout match. The last time Real Madrid visited Stamford Bridge was 12 months ago, where they avenged their 2-0 loss in the 2020-21 semis with a 3-1 triumph.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
In the first leg against Real Madrid, Chelsea had to play with 10 men for the final half-hour after Ben Chilwell received a red card for a last-man foul on Rodrygo. As a result, Chilwell will serve his suspension in the second leg, which will likely mean that Marc Cucurella will replace him at left-back.Chelsea have several injury concerns, with Kalidou Koulibaly out for a few weeks due to a hamstring problem, joining Armando Broja on the sidelines who is also suffering from a knee problem. Additionally, Kai Havertz, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Carney Chukwuemeka will require further evaluation over the next 48 hours. To replace these players, Thiago Silva and N'Golo Kante were left out of the squad to face Brighton with the second leg in mind, and Reece James, Joao Felix, and Mateo Kovacic should be recalled. However, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Benoit Badiashile, David Datro Fofana, and Noni Madueke are all ineligible.
Real Madrid had to play without Vinicius Junior, Toni Kroos, and Ferland Mendy over the weekend due to muscular overload and calf injury. However, Kroos and Vinicius should be fit for the second leg after their precautionary absences, while Ferland Mendy is not expected to return. As a result, Marco Asensio may be demoted to the bench despite his recent goal-scoring form, and Eduardo Camavinga could be used at left-back. Nacho Fernandez's goal against Cadiz could also give Ancelotti something to think about.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Chelsea possible starting lineup:Kepa; James, Fofana, Silva, Cucurella; E. Fernandez, Kante, Kovacic; Mudryk, Havertz, Felix
Real Madrid possible starting lineup:
Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Camavinga; Modric, Valverde, Kroos; Rodrygo, Benzema, Vinicius Jr
EXPERT PREDICTION
Chelsea 0-3 Real Madrid
After watching Real Madrid's defenders crumble early on at Anfield, Chelsea fans may want to follow Liverpool's lead and create a lively atmosphere at Stamford Bridge. However, such tactics are unlikely to intimidate Ancelotti's squad.
While it's possible to imagine Lampard's team scoring as they take an aggressive approach, it's unlikely that a nearly full-strength Real Madrid with many well-rested key players will make it to the final four and end the Blues' chances of ending a difficult season on a high note.
