Tactical Analysis: Chelsea vs. Real Madrid First Leg

In a repeat of last year’s fascinating Champions League semi-final, Chelsea and Real Madrid met again this time with the welcome return of fans in the stadium.

Off-the-field issues have dogged Chelsea in the last few weeks though the Blues still have so much to play for this season under the steady tutelage of Thomas Tuchel. The European Champions were dealt a major blow at the Bridge, as the German admitted in his press conference after the game that ‘he got it wrong’ as the game was lost during the opening 46 minutes.

Real Madrid are synonymous with the Champions League. The ‘Big Ears’ trophy is the symbol of excellence in elite European football, similarly at Madrid excellence isn’t applauded or greeted with glee it is more expected.

There is just something different and complex when it comes to Real Madrid and its relationship with this competition, an obsession almost. It is worth unpacking where the game was lost and won, in particular Real’s surprising 1-2 punch in the first half, it wasn’t just the excellence of a certain French striker at his peak.