Real Madrid vs Chelsea Prediction | 12th April 2023

Update the preview and predictions for the upcoming first-leg match between Real Madrid and Chelsea in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, which will take place on April 12th. Chelsea’s dismal performance continues to be evident in their first match under interim manager Frank Lampard. It is likely that their poor run of form will persist as they face the defending champions, Real Madrid.

Real Madrid and Chelsea Team Analysis

Real Madrid had a brilliant run of form with two consecutive wins before the weekend, defeating Valladolid 6-0 in La Liga and Barcelona 4-0 in the Copa del Rey semi-finals. Striker Karim Benzema had two hat tricks during this period.

However, with limited chances to compete for the La Liga title, coach Carlo Ancelotti decided to prioritize the Champions League and rested key midfielders in the recent 2-3 defeat against Villarreal at home, saving their energy for the first-leg match against Chelsea in the quarter-finals.

On the other hand, Chelsea, who parted ways with Graham Potter, announced last Thursday the appointment of club legend Frank Lampard as interim manager until the end of the season. The 44-year-old coach returns to Stamford Bridge just over two years after being sacked from the head coach position in January 2021.

However, Lampard’s second debut as Chelsea’s manager did not go as planned, as The Blues suffered a defeat against Wolves. This marks the fourth consecutive match that Chelsea has failed to secure a win, which is likely to have a significant impact on the team’s morale and performance. Based on their recent form, Chelsea’s chances of gaining an advantage against Real Madrid under Lampard’s leadership seem challenging.

In recent years, Real Madrid and Chelsea have faced each other quite frequently. Chelsea has slightly lagged behind with only 2 wins in 6 previous encounters against the team from Spain, while Real Madrid has won 3 matches and drawn 1.

Latest Real Madrid and Chelsea News

Real Madrid’s medical department currently only has Ferland Mendy on the injury list. Key players who were rested over the weekend, including Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, David Alaba, Eder Militao, Federico Valverde, and Eduardo Camavinga, are all ready to make a comeback.

In the European arena, Real Madrid will undoubtedly rely on the experience of Karim Benzema. The French forward has scored two hat-tricks in the last three matches, including one against arch-rivals Barcelona in the Copa Del Rey.

He has also punished Liverpool’s defense in the Round of 16 matches of the Champions League. Clearly, Benzema is the most dangerous striker that Chelsea’s defense needs to contain.

On the Chelsea side, Mason Mount, Armando Broja, Cesar Azpilicueta, and Thiago Silva will be absent for various reasons. This season, Chelsea has not had a standout player who consistently carries the team. Therefore, if N’Golo Kante returns in midfield, he will be a significant addition for The Blues, giving them a chance to at least secure a draw on Spanish soil.

Expected lineups for Real Madrid vs Chelsea match

Real Madrid: Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Rudiger, Alaba; Modric, Camavinga, Kroos; Valverde, Benzema, Vinicius Jr.

Chelsea: Kepa; James, Fofana, Koulibaly, Chilwell; Kovacic, Fernandez, Kante; Sterling, Havertz, Felix.

In the Champions League, Real Madrid has won all four home matches this season, scoring 10 goals and conceding only 2. This shows how well Ancelotti’s team performs at the Bernabeu. With a difference in personnel quality, Real Madrid may take the initiative early on and create a significant advantage in the first leg.

Score prediction: 3-1

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