Football fans around the world are eagerly anticipating the highly anticipated UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash between Chelsea and Real Madrid at the Bernabeu on Wednesday.
The two sides have a recent history of exciting encounters in the competition, with Real Madrid securing a dramatic 5-4 aggregate victory over Chelsea in last season's quarter-finals. The Blues, however, will be seeking revenge, having beaten Los Blancos in the semi-finals the previous year.
Real Madrid have started their Champions League campaign strongly, losing just one of their six group games and winning their round of 16 tie against Liverpool in dominant fashion. However, they have suffered two defeats in their last three La Liga games and head into the clash with Chelsea in somewhat inconsistent form.
Chelsea, meanwhile, have undergone a change in management following the sacking of Graham Potter, with Frank Lampard taking over as caretaker manager. The Blues have failed to win any of their last four games in all competitions, but their impressive performances in the Champions League this season have been a highlight, with just one defeat in their six group games and a comeback victory against Borussia Dortmund in the last 16.
Despite Chelsea's recent struggles, Real Madrid are expected to come out on top in this encounter. They have won five of the last nine Champions League titles and have a strong record against the Blues, having won six of their seven meetings across all competitions.
Both teams are likely to score in what should be an exciting match, but Real Madrid's attacking firepower is expected to be the difference between the two sides. With injured left-back Ferland Mendy still sidelined, Real Madrid will look to Karim Benzema, who has scored six goals in his last three appearances, to lead the line and secure a first-leg advantage over Chelsea.
