Real Madrid vs Chelsea tactics: Three ways the Blues can beat Champions League titans

Nizaar Kinsella12 April 2023

Chelsea face the most daunting of tasks tonight as they take on Real Madrid in the Champions League.

With Frank Lampard now in the dugout, do the Blues have any hope of pulling off a shock?

Nizaar Kinsella takes a look at the key tactical battles.

Fofana vs Benzema

Karim Benzema knocked Chelsea out in extra time during a pulsating 210 minutes of hard-fought Champions League action last season. At 35, he continues to be deadly and scored three goals over two legs to knock Liverpool out in the round of 16. It took his goal tally against English clubs to 19 goals in 25 games in the competition.

Wesley Fofana has excelled in recent weeks but will have his hands full stopping one of the world's best strikers.

FBL-ESP-LIGA-BARCELONA-REAL MADRID
AFP via Getty Images

Double up on Vinicius

Carlo Ancelotti described Vinicius Junior as 'unstoppable' ahead of the tie. The 22-year-old scored a brace and destroyed Liverpool at Anfield in the last round. He was also exceptional against Chelsea in last season's first leg at Stamford Bridge.

It highlights how Reece James may need N'Golo Kante's help doubling up on the player now widely regarded as one of the best wingers in the world. If not, Fofana could be distracted away from dealing with Benzema to stop the speedy left-sided attacker.

Young guns must press Modric

Chelsea cannot allow Luka Modric time on the ball. His outside-of-the-boot, right-footed assist for Rodrygo in last year's second leg swung the tie in Real's favour against the run of play. The moment of class helped Madrid recover from 3-0 down to squeeze through in extra time.

Frank Lampard must send out his younger midfielders to win the physical battle against the 37-year-old and his colleague Toni Kroos, 33.

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