Is Real Madrid vs Chelsea on TV tonight? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch Champions League fixture

Chelsea will be wishing to put the fallout from the European Super League behind them when they face Real Madrid away from home, in the crucial first leg of the Champions League semi-final on Tuesday night.

Thomas Tuchel’s side head to the Spanish capital on the back of their narrow 1-0 victory against London rivals West Ham United in the Premier League on Saturday. Real Madrid face the Blues after missing the opportunity to go top of La Liga, being held to a goalless draw against Real Betis at the weekend.

The match is being played behind closed doors at Real Madrid’s reserve stadium, Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano, as the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu is undergoing renovation works.

Chelsea booked their place in the final four when they survived a last-minute scare from Primeira Liga giants, FC Porto, to finish 2-1 on aggregate. Los Blancos’ place in semi-finals came courtesy their 3-1 aggregate victory against Liverpool in the quarter-finals.

The dark cloud from the fallout of the widely-criticised European Super League will be hanging over both teams’ heads, as Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich apologised for the club’s involvement in the doomed project, whilst Real president Florentino Perez is adamant that all 12 clubs remain tied to it.

The match is still going ahead despite the threat of expulsion from the Champions League due to their involvement in the Super League, as Real Madrid seek their 14th continental title and Chelsea dream of reigning victorious in Europe. They lifted the trophy for the first time back in 2012, and victory against the Spanish side could see them reach only their third Champions League final.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the game tomorrow night.

When is it?

The match will kick-off at 8pm BST on Tuesday 27 April.

How can I watch?

It will be shown live on BT Sport 2, with coverage getting underway from 7pm. The match is also available to stream for its customers on the BT Sport app and website.

What is the team news?

Chelsea’s Mateo Kovacic has already been ruled out of the first leg by manager Tuchel. The Croatian is suffering from a thigh injury, but other than the former Real Madrid midfielder, the Blues do not have any fresh injury worries from their win against West Ham.

It could be good news for the Blues, as Real Madrid’s line-up will be without some of their key players. Sergio Ramos and Lucas Vazquez were both absent from their side’s draw against Real Betis on Saturday due to injury and are linked with moves away from the club this summer. Midfielder Federico Valverde is also out after contracting Covid-19.

Zinedine Zidane has also confirmed that Ferland Mendy is out of the first leg, whilst Toni Kroos is expected to return alongside Eden Hazard, who will face-off against his former club.

Possible line-ups

Real Madrid: Courtois; Varane, Militao, Nacho; Marcelo, Modric, Casemiro, Kroos; Junior, Benzema, Hazard

Chelsea: Mendy; Christensen, Silva, Rudiger; Azpilicueta, Jorginho, Kante, Mount, Chilwell; Pulisic, Werner

Odds

Real Madrid: 7/5

Draw: 23/10

Chelsea: 5/2

Prediction

Chelsea look to have a new lease of life with the team on a strong run of form, having not being beaten in their first 10 away games under Tuchel. The Blues have a busy time of things with their fight for a top-four Premier League spot and the upcoming FA Cup final against Leicester City on 15 May. Real Madrid will not make it easy, but without several key players and the Super League drama in the background, Chelsea could steal a narrow victory. Real Madrid 0-1 Chelsea

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