Champions League Semifinal Preview 4-27-21

Real Madrid v. Chelsea

The most intense football matches in the calendar are here: Champions League Semi-Finals! The last legged tie in European competition has arrived and it features two massive clubs from their country’s respective capitals. Real Madrid enters this game unbeaten in 17 straight games dating back to February. The Madridistas defeated Liverpool in the quarterfinal to reach this stage and they did so with stunning performances from their midfield and Vinicius Jr up front. If Los Blancos want to advance to yet another Champions League Final, they will have to find a way to beat a far more formidable Chelsea defense. The Blues from London have enjoyed a wonderful spell under new manager Thomas Tuchel. Since arriving several months ago, Chelsea have only lost twice and one was a stunner in league play to West Bromwich Albion while the other came against Porto in the second league of the Quarterfinals. Chelsea play a drilled in 3-4-2-1 which requires teams to get past multiple players at every level of the field. Their system and tactics under Tuchel make it difficult for the opposition to counter attack which has allowed Chelsea to rack up clean sheets. Real Madrid used to be known for their attacking prowess but recently under Zinedine Zidane, Madrid has resorted to a more defensive style of football focused on possession and slowly suffocating the opposition. With neither team feeling pressed to score tonight we could see a low scoring affair. I also doubt either side will come out willing to take chances in the opening 45 minutes which could also lead to a goalless stalemate.

The Bet: First Half to Finish Tied & Game to End in a Draw

Prediction: Real Madrid 0-0 Chelsea