Prediction: Real Madrid vs Chelsea

Verdict: Real Madrid win

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Unibet

Opening their Champions League quarter-final adventure on Wednesday night, Real Madrid will welcome Chelsea to the Bernabeu.

Real Madrid

Starting with the hosts, while Real Madrid might have sprung a real Copa del Rey upset while away in Catalonia last week, Los Blancos certainly came crashing back down to earth a few days ago. Eventually getting hit with a stunning 3-2 defeat at home against Villarreal, Carlo Ancelotti’s men have all but relinquished their domestic crown. However, while the former AC Milan boss might have seen his superstar squad show some extended domestic inconstancies this season, the Spanish icons are enjoying yet another Champions League romp. Making a heavyweight statement last month as they breezed their way past Premier League giants Liverpool thanks to a 6-2 aggregate romp, Wednesday’s hosts will be looking to claim another English scalp here. Despite winning just a trio of their previous six appearances at the Bernabeu, Ancelotti’s side should be relishing Chelsea’s arrival to the capital in midweek.

Team News

Still dealing with a long-term muscle injury, Real Madrid will once again be unable to call upon French defender Ferland Mendy on Wednesday night. However, aside from the 27-year-old full-back, Ancelotti has reported a clean bill of health ahead of Los Blancos’ first-leg meeting at the Bernabeu.

Notching 19 strikes across all competitions since returning from the World Cup’s winter break, attacking talisman Karim Benzema will once again spearhead Madrid’s charge in midweek. Likewise, recording six Champions League goals in his eight appearances this season, Vinicius Junior will partner Benzema in attack.

Chelsea

As for the visitors, while Chelsea might have shocked many last week as they welcomed back Frank Lampard on a temporary basis, the Blues were last seen putting in another worrying display. Eventually slumping to a 1-0 loss away at relegation scrappers Wolves, the former European champions have only continued to show a string of issues this season. Shockingly battling it out in the bottom-half of the Premier League table, Wednesday’s guests are in the midst of a four-match winless run. Marking their return from the international break on April 1st with a 2-0 defeat at home against Aston Villa, Lampard knows that he has a real job on his hands in west London. Gaining a reputation for their extended problems in the final third, Chelsea have also failed to find any kind of stability while away from Stamford Bridge. It should be noted, the Blues have recorded just a single away victory since October 25th.

Team News

Lampard’s side will travel to Madrid on Wednesday night without the likes of Thiago Silva, Mason Mount, Armando Broja and Cesar Azpilicueta. Ex-Arsenal skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will also miss out after not being included in Chelsea’s Champions League squad.

Bagging his first European strike of the season as Chelsea claimed a 2-0 win against Borussia Dortmund last month, Kai Havertz should once again lead the Blues’ attack here. Making just a single start since returning from the international break, January arrival Mykhailo Mudryk will be hoping for a full recall in midweek.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides met in the Champions League quarter-finals last season, Real Madrid picked up a stunning 5-4 aggregate victory.
• However, Los Blancos have won just a trio of their last six home fixtures across all competitions.
• Hit with a 1-0 loss away at Wolves over the weekend, Wednesday’s guests have failed to win any of their previous four appearances.
• Likewise, Chelsea have recorded just a single victory away from Stamford Bridge since way back on October 25th.
• Karim Benzema has recorded 19 strikes across all competitions since returning from the World Cup’s winter break.

Conclusion

While Real Madrid might have come crashing back down to earth following an action-packed 3-2 loss at the hands of Villarreal over the weekend, Los Blancos should be looking to make another European statement here. Although the Spanish icons might have shown some extended domestic inconsistencies this season, Ancelotti’s men should be relishing Chelsea’s arrival on Wednesday night. With the Premier League outfit slumping to a 1-0 defeat away at Wolves in Lampard’s return to the dugout, it is no secret that the midweek guests are enduring a real crisis. Remarkably picking up just a single victory away from Stamford Bridge since way back on October 25th, a home win can be found at generous odds here.

Verdict: Real Madrid win

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Unibet