Champions League: Chelsea and Real Madrid could play out tense quarter-final at the Bridge

Thomas Tuchel and Carlo Ancelotti's sides square off in the first leg of what promises to be a blockbuster Champions League quarter-final at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.

Mouthwatering tie

Chelsea’s Champions League quarter-final with Real Madrid is arguably the most attractive tie of the round. It pits the defending champions against an opponent that recently picked up the trophy in three successive seasons, and the priority of both clubs at present will be to lift the cup with big ears once again come May. 

Chelsea can be backed at 2.12 to take an advantage to Spain for the second leg, while a draw is on offer at 3.45. Real Madrid can be supported at 4.0.

Chelsea’s form put to the test

Chelsea have grown used to unwelcome seismic shocks in recent weeks, yet they received another one at the weekend as they were hammered 4-1 by Brentford. Antonio Rudiger’s wonder goal shortly after the break seemed to set the platform for a seventh straight win, yet they folded in an astonishing manner.

On paper, the Blues’ recent form has been impressive. They have won 12 of their last 14 matches, yet during this period, they have not faced an elite opponent with the potential exception of Tottenham.

Fallen French champions Lille were seen off 4-1 over two legs in the last 16, while Chelsea boast a perfect home record in the Champions League this season that they will aim to protect.

Meanwhile, they are aiming for a repeat of last season’s 3-1 aggregate victory over the Bernabeu side, which included a 2-0 home win.

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel will be expecting a big response from his side after Saturday's 4-1 drubbing by Brentford

Focused on Europe

Real Madrid progressed past Ligue 1 opponents in rather more dramatic fashion last month. Indeed, they appeared poised for the exit until an incredible 15-minute period turned around their tie against Paris Saint-Germain.

Although the focus was on the implosion of PSG after that tie, Madrid and Karim Benzema in particular were absolutely ruthless in picking them off.

Boasting a 12-point lead at the top of La Liga, the domestic title is in the bag, despite a chastening 4-0 loss to Barcelona prior to the international break, and Los Blancos are now chasing down a record 14th European Cup – a competition in which they have specialised over the last decade.

Madrid to keep it tight

Chelsea have never lost against Real Madrid in five previous meetings with the game’s most storied club. The chances are, that run will continue on Wednesday, but expect a hard-fought match. After all, Real have conceded only a single goal in four away games in Europe this season.

Indeed, this could well be a cagey match. Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea have thrived thanks to their tactical pragmatism, while Carlo Ancelotti showed an old-school approach to playing a European away tie against PSG in the first leg of the last 16. With the Blues chief No.9 Romelu Lukaku still misfiring, expect a tight game.

This type of match should suit the visiting side, so consider backing them on an Asian Handicap at -1, meaning that if they lose by a single goal, the stake is returned.

Recommended bets

Under 2.5 goals @ 1.8

Asian Handicap: Real Madrid +1 @ 1.47