Real Madrid have the edge, but underestimating them could cost them dearly. Who will make it to the semi-finals?

This quarterfinal was a good one. Real Madrid overcame Chelsea 3-1 and put themselves in an excellent position for a home rematch. But Chelsea won’t want to give up cheaply and the home side must be wary.

If there’s one thing Real Madrid players have a problem with, it’s underestimating and “winning” games. Ancelotti’s charges can prepare perfectly for important and crucial games, but when motivation is lacking, there is a problem.

This was exemplified in El Clásico. Real had a comfortable 15-point lead, knowing in the back of their minds that Barcelona is very weak this year and hasn’t beaten Real in three years. Los Blancos thus approached the match extremely lukewarmly and professorial, thinking it would work itself out. But disaster struck.

This must not be repeated in the Champions League quarter-final rematch, because it could have fatal consequences. Had Real got an early first goal, Chelsea would have sensed a chance and would have needed just one goal to go into extra time.

And the Blues are certainly not giving up. Although Thomas Tuchel is publicly declaring that the match is decided and Chelsea have no chance of overturning it, they are more likely to put the home side in the aforementioned position where they could underestimate the rematch.

However, if Real put in a 100% concentrated performance like they did at Stamford Bridge, they shouldn’t concede any drama. With the lead, they can afford to start from a deeper block and wait for breakout situations that are deadly.

And every additional goal scored will take the Merengues closer to the Champions League semi-finals. Only Chelsea, last year’s overall winner, wants to go there. Who will secure a place in Europe’s top four?

Source: UEFA