Real Madrid vs Chelsea prediction: How will Champions League fixture play out tonight?

Chelsea will be hoping to continue their recent habit of producing big results in their most important matches of late, as they head into the Champions League semi-finals.

A recent FA Cup win over Manchester City saw the Blues progress to the final of that competition, while in the Premier League they beat West Ham at the weekend in a game which was effectively a play-off to hold a top-four spot heading into the final few matches of the season.

Now they face Real Madrid in Europe, with a first leg on the road arguably the ideal type of match for Thomas Tuchel’s gameplan of remaining tight off the ball and utilising the team’s speed in attack on the counter.

Real themselves will be confident of progression too though, having seen off Atalanta and Liverpool in the knock-outs to reach this stage in the competition.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the match.

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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