Real Madrid looked as though they were heading out of the UEFA Champions League after falling 2-0 behind at Anfield in the first leg of their last sixteen clash. However, by the end of the contest, it was the European champions who had once again inflicted a defeat on the Reds and five goals were scored mainly due to the prowess of Karim Benzema and Vinicius Junior.
The pair will hope to take centre stage for this first leg encounter against Chelsea, with Carlo Ancelotti’s side strong favourites to get the better of opponents who were able to overcome Borussia Dortmund in the last sixteen stage. Graham Potter saw several big money signings rise to the fore although these two matches will be without the injured Thiago Silva.
Perhaps Chelsea might benefit from being betting outsiders to get the better of Real Madrid this time around. Reece James and Ben Chilwell are a formidable full-back pairing who can cause some damage on the counter-attack, although the visitors might want to tread carefully against a team who seem well-suited to this competition.
Even so, both teams to score in this first leg encounter could be on the cards after that frenetic game at Anfield where seven goals were scored. There will be a plan to nullify the dangerous Benzema although the Frenchman’s track record when it comes to the Champions League is excellent and that was particular the case last season.