Real Madrid travel to Stamford Bridge, in a replay of last season’s dramatic quarter final, with a resounding 2-0 grasp on the tie.
The first leg meeting exemplified everything that was opposite about these two heavyweight sides.
It was a toothless performance from a disjointed Chelsea side who are in disarray this season ,as a result of the new dawn under owner Todd Boehly. It was Frank Lampard who was tasked with the mammoth feat of slaying his former manager Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid, but even the Chelsea icon couldn’t galvanise this team.
In contrast, the Los Blancos epitomised the strength that continuity and togetherness generate, fielding the same nine players who had heroically overcome a Chelsea fight back last year.
The Blues hamartia at the Bernabeu, was man of the match Vinicius Junior who dazzled on the right-hand side against Reece James, providing two assists.
Nevertheless, there is a feeling Chelsea supporters will relish this David versus Goliath encounter with a burning desire to seek resurrection.
Last season, it was on home soil that Chelsea’s defensive fragilities were cut open by an efficient and resolute Real Madrid spearheaded by Luka Modric. The six-time Champions League winners came away 3-1 winners after a masterclass from Karim Benzema who scored a hat-trick.
Chelsea fans would still yearn to return back to that safety blanket of Roman Abramovich’s reign under Thomas Tuchel.
The reason for that was shown in the second leg in Spain, as an inconsistent Tuchel side arrived with nothing to lose. Real Madrid fans had envisaged their opponents in the next round, merely treating this game as a warm-up for the semi-finals.
What happened nobody would see coming. Chelsea dictated play and bullied a complacent Real Madrid side who looked shell-shocked.
The reigning Champions League winners were 3-0 up in the 75th minute showcasing the spirit, fearlessness and prowess that has disappeared this season.
A late revival from Ancelotti’s men saw the Spanish champions stun Chelsea in extra time through Karim Benzema. The Frenchman has scarred Blues fans ever since, but this turn around when they were down and out before they even kicked the ball shows that there is still an opportunity for this new wave of Chelsea players to avenge last season heartbreak.
This is an opportunity for this underwhelming fusion of new players, to prove to Chelsea fans that they deserve to bare the badge. It presents a chance for them to show character and spirit, providing a platform to kick-start their season.
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