In what has been a turnaround point for Chelsea this season, the arrival of Thomas Tuchel, following his departure from Paris Saint Germain, the Blues have gone ahead to make laudable strides in all competitions and this resoluteness will be put to test when they travel to Spain to face Real Madrid in the semifinal of the Champions League today.
Following the sack of Frank Lampard in January, in what was looking like a disappointing campaign, the Blues have reached the final of the FA Cup and are also in the semifinal of the Champions League, keeping alive their hopes of a double, this season.
Tuchel looks to have turned Chelsea's defence to rock with 18 games played and just 9 goals conceded, that's an average of 0.5 goals per game.
In the Champions League, Chelsea have conceded just once in four games under Tuchel. The late stunner by FC Porto's Mehdi Taremi in the quarterfinal being the only blemish to their perfect record.
Real Madrid like Chelsea have also had a mixed season of fluctuating fortunes, showing glimpses of a top side they are at some point and at other, really living below expectations.
The Los Blancos who have won three of the last five champions league title will be hoping they can leave their mark in Europe this season.
This season has not been so pleasant for them with barrages of injuries and poor outings, losing crucial points against lower oppositions, most recent of which is their barren draw against Real Betis over the weekend.
They currently lie second on the log, two points behind leaders, Atletico Madrid, same point with a rejuvenated Barcelona who have a game at hand.
My Concluding thoughts
Real Madrid have been tagged as a team that may not do well at home but have this vibe going for them when it comes to the Champions League.
They will also be boosted by the return of former Chelsea forward, Eden Hazard, who has had an injury-plagued two seasons at the capital club.
Chelsea will be buoyed by the presence of Tuchel who has not lost in his four meetings with Real Madrid, winning three and losing one.
It looks like an encounter poised for entertainment and intrigue. With both teams cautious of conceding, both sides may be separated by very thin lines. I don't see a draw, maybe a slim win for either side.
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