Real Madrid CF vs Chelsea FC
UCL Quarterfinal, Leg 1
Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid, Spain
12 April 2023 | 3pm | Paramount+

Good afternoon LSB supporters.  I hope you all had a happy Easter Sunday.  This week’s biggest fixture will be taking place from the King’s capitol, Madrid’s white house, the Santiago Bernabeu!  Los Blancos, once again Europe’s defending Champions, will be taking to the pitch against a familiar foe in Chelsea.  Over the past two season’s, the winner of this knockout tie has gone on to hoist Ol’ Big Ears.  In 2021, it was Chelsea beating Real 3-1 over two legs.  Meanwhile, last season we saw Madrid advancing past The Blues on a 6-3 scoreline.

This season, Chelsea have looked lifeless, but not bodiless, as is indicative of the club’s squad size and bloated wage bill.  Yes, thanks largely to new owner Todd Boehly and his propensity to sign seemingly every available prospect under the sun, regardless of market price, Chelsea has now spent more than £300 million in transfer fees this season.  Oh, and we can’t forget that Boehly has also sacked two managers this campaign, something that even Roman Abromovich never did in his yearly quest for excellence over the prior 20 seasons as Chelsea owner.

Now, two thirds through the Premier League campaign, The Blues have found themselves free falling to the bottom half of the table.  There’s virtually nothing left to play for domestically.  Chelsea will neither finish in a European position nor will The Blues be relegated.  In addition, they’ve bowed out of both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup.  Thus, a possible Champions League triumph, no matter the odds, great or small, is all that remains for the west London based club.  On paper, there’s loads of talent, plenty of players that contributed to the 2021 UCL title is still in this squad.  The question is, will 2021’s UCL Final’s match winner Kai Havertz start scoring with regularity?  Can Mykhailo Mudryk, Joao Felix, Raheem Sterling, Cristian Pulisic, Noni Madueke, and the list goes on, begin producing in front of goal?  If so, then Chelsea can most definitely pull of the upset and knockout a rollercoaster-esque Real Madrid.

As aforementioned, Los Merengeus’ performances this season have been all over the shop, particularly domestically.  Real currently sit 13 points adrift arch rivals Barcelona.  In addition, the All Whites lost at home 1-0 in the first leg of the Copa del Rey Semifinal to Barca, but then Madrid destroyed La Blaugrana 4-0 in the second leg at the Camp Nou.  In addition, we saw Real throttle Liverpool 5-2 at Anfield in the Champions League Round of 16 first leg.  Needless to say, who knows that version of Madrid will turn up tonight.  But, when Los Blancos do play its “A” game, Madrid is white hot.

LSB Prediction

A European night at the White House is a spectacle to been seen.  The players and supporters alike carry a supreme confidence with them on nights like these, and understandably so.  Los Blancos has won an unimaginable 14 UCL titles, 7 more than second placed AC Milan.  Also, the current squad boasts two Ballon d’Or winners in Karim Benzema and Luka Modric, as well as former FIFA Goalkeeper of the Year in Thibaut Courtois.  Mixed in amongst these seasoned world class stars is youngsters Vini Jr, Rodrygo Goes, Aurilien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde, and the list goes on.  Then, to add icing on the cake, Madrid is led by Carlo Ancellotti, perhaps the most decorated manager in the history of the club football.  Ancellotti has won four UCL titles, and is the only manager to win a domestic league title in each of Europe’s top five leagues (Premier League, LaLiga, Bundesliga, Serie A, and Ligue 1).

Therefore, I’d be foolish not to side with Real in this fixture.  Benzema will brace and Chelsea will be held scoreless once again this season.  Real Madrid 2 - 0 Chelsea