Team News
[team 3468] started with a back three as [player 95807] returned. The Frenchman played with [player 186353] and [player 460160] on either side of him, with Marcelo and Carvajal at wing-backs. The midfield was unchanged after the Liverpool game, and [player 600687] partnered Benzema upfront.
[coach 523937] named an unchanged starting lineup after their crucial win against [team 1] in the [league 8]. [player 1330]’s selection at right-back was slightly unexpected with his lack of pace and because of [player 581220]’s presence on the bench.
First-Half
With [coach 407775]’s team selection, it was clear that he aimed to match [team 18]’s shape all over the pitch. However, his plan didn’t work for long spells in the first half. Real’s midfield was struggling to deal with the intensity of Chelsea’s midfield, especially [player 1193]. Chelsea’s start was impressive as they kept getting the ball back with effective counter-pressing, and the home side were struggling for an outlet to get on the front foot.
[player 185140] and [player 31647] were pegged deep for the first ten minutes, and their midfield was struggling to keep hold of the ball. A strong start by Chelsea had them with a chance to score, but [player 31823] missed another simple chance. His touch was straight into Courtois, whose anticipation was excellent.
Chelsea’s pressure was constant as they kept penetrating Madrid’s backline. Chelsea’s defensive line was high, which allowed the wing-backs to push higher. Kante’s involvement was exceptional in their counter-pressing.
Soon, the dominance paid off as Chelsea scored the game’s first and a critical away goal. [player 32438]’s run was timed perfectly with the pass from Rüdiger. Pulisic then chopped back on his right foot before dribbling past Courtois and finishing with ease. Real Madrid’s defensive shape was poor, and something had to be done soon to get back on track.
The Spanish giants did respond with some good attacks. However, due to a new system, they left themselves exposed to Chelsea’s pacy counter-attacks. [player 159700] did fabulously at times to stop those counter-attacks.
With the experience and ability Madrid’s midfield possesses, the home side gradually started to keep have some good spells. Their main man, [player 93948], stepped up once again and got his side back on level terms. Credit to Real Madrid for keeping the ball alive before the Frenchman’s magical control and finish made the score 1-1.
Overall, Chelsea were much superior in the first half in terms of their counter-pressing and movement. Zidane had to something to break Chelsea’s midfield dominance in the second half. Although, with the chances that Chelsea created, they should have scored more before half-time.
Second-Half
Real Madrid started the second half with more composure and control in the midfield area. The half-time broke Chelsea’s rhythm, and Zidane’s tactical instructions were effecting well. Their midfield started to dictate the game, and Chelsea’s dominance was decreasing.
Chelsea did create some reasonable chances through quick transitions but Madrid’s sound defending was enough to clear the ball away. Real Madrid were now penetrating Chelsea, and Tuchel had to do something to bring Chelsea back into the game.
The German decided to make three substitutions as James, [player 32612], and Ziyech came in to add energy and quality to Chelsea’s attack. Zidane also made a change; former Chelsea player [player 1331] was sent on to add more guile and creativity.
Incredibly, the changes that Tuchel made had a considerable impact on the game as Chelsea again looked dangerous. James’s attacking involvement down the right side was instrumental in all of this. Also, [player 24288]’s passing range and creativity was helping the blues to get on the front foot and make things happen. Kante’s constant involvement in both attack and defence was outstanding.
Both sides had half-chances, but Chelsea looked more threatening due to Tuchel’s substitutions. Zidane’s tactics overall didn’t work as he wanted but to come away with a tied scoreline is still positive.
Fixture Details: [fixture 18017201]
Eye-Catching Performers
Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid)
The former Chelsea keeper once again was significant in helping his side to get a draw. [player 1314]’s saves to keep Madrid in the game were important, just as it was the case against [team 8] in the second leg.
He made 4 saves, including the one where he denied Werner from scoring an early goal. He did make a mistake in Pulisic’s goal, but his performance overall was solid. Also, his distribution was fantastic as he completed 28 passes.
Antonio Rüdiger (Chelsea)
The defender who has been outstanding since Tuchel’s arrival was again at the heart of a superb display. The German didn’t only assist his side’s only goal but was defensively splendid.
[player 31837] completed 64 out of 69 passes, including 2 key passes and 6 long balls.
