Chelsea’s defence of the Champions League title continues this evening as the Blues welcome Real Madrid to Stamford Bridge for a quarter-final first leg.
In a rematch of one of last season’s semi-finals, where the Premier League side emerged as 3-1 aggregate winners, Chelsea and Real will vie to set up a last-four clash with either Manchester City or Atletico Madrid.
Thomas Tuchel’s team enter this fixture on the back of a shock 4-1 thrashing by Brentford on Saturday, and amid uncertainty over the club’s ownership due to Roman Abramovich’s enforced sale. Prior to their loss to Brentford, however, Chelsea had been in fine form, while Real Madrid beat Celta Vigo 2-1 at the weekend to respond to a 4-0 demolition by El Clasico rivals Barcelona.
La Liga leaders Real, who have won the Champions League more times than any other club (13) showed their pedigree in the last round, with Karim Benzema scoring a second-leg hat-trick to secure an improbable comeback victory over Paris Saint-Germain. Meanwhile, Chelsea eased past Lille 4-1 over two games.
Here’s all you need to know about tonight’s first leg.
Chelsea host Real Madrid tonight in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final showdown - in what is surely the tie of the round.
The two teams met in last season’s semi-finals with the Blues coming out 3-1 winners on aggregate as they went on to claim their second title in the illustrious competition.
Madrid boast 13 European crowns and, having gone enitrely trophy-less last campaign, are desperate to add the Champions League silverware to their impending stroll to the LaLiga title.
But in their way are a Chelsea team determined to make something of their season despite off-field turmoil and a faded domestic challenge, backed by a Stamford Bridge faithful stung by a shock defeat to Brentford on the weekend.
Where to watch Chelsea vs Real Madrid
TV channel: In the UK, Chelsea vs Real Madrid will be televised live on BT Sport 2 and BT Sport Ultimate, with coverage beginning at 7pm.
Live stream: Subscribers will also be able to watch the match online via the BT Sport website or app.
Live blog: You can also follow all the action via Standard Sport’s live match blog. James Robson will be in attendance for us at Stamford Bridge.
When is it?
The match will kick off at 8pm BST at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday 6 April.
How can I watch it?
The game will air live on BT Sport 2 and BT Sport Ultimate in the UK, with coverage beginning at 7pm BST.
The broadcaster’s website and app will also stream the action live, and The Independent will provide live updates.
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