Real Madrid welcome Chelsea this evening in the first-leg of their Champions League semi-final, having dispatched of Liverpool in the previous round of the competition.
Ahead of the match there’s been much talk in Spain about Zinedine Zidane’s side possibly being untreated unfairly by the officials, in some sort of revenge over the European Super League.
That all looks like an effort to pressure the referee and his team, or to create an excuse ahead of a possible defeat to Chelsea, and also to further build a narrative of Real Madrid versus UEFA.
Concentrating more on the actual teams, tactics and what could happen, without the urge to lean on conspiracy, Spain’s Cadena Ser have asked several pundits for their takes.
Kiko Narváez, a former Spain international who played more than 200 matches for Atletico Madrid, is quoted as saying: “It seems to me a much more complete team than Liverpool, any mistake can penalise you.
“I am scared over 180 minutes, because they know when to take the risk. PSG at least has problems when it comes to leaving people up. Chelsea are designed for 180 minutes, they know how to be calm.”
Raúl Ruiz was then quoted explaining he feels Los Blancos have an advantage due to all their experience and prestige in the competition, suggesting Chelsea could crumble: “Madrid is Madrid and at Chelsea there are many players who have not won this type of game. It happens to many teams: they go to the top and don’t measure up. I see it a little more in favour of Madrid, even if they are not physically well.”
Thomas Tuchel’s side will be determined to give a good account of themselves in the first leg, and push themselves through to the Champions League final just months after the manager took over from Frank Lampard.
