Tuchel’s chance; Chelsea eyes CL trophy since 2012 or Real Madrid walks through unscathed?
A preview of the game tonight in the UEFA champions league semifinals. Read on for updates from kobysportupdate.blogspot.com as we fill you in.
Chelsea stealthily made its way to the semis and this feat comes from the very good work Thomas Tuchel has put in. Notwithstanding, we will not undermine Lampard's run in the group stages without a defeat. There is a good presence in the camp of Chelsea, and it is all to their advantage, if they use it to proper effect in their clash against Real Madrid.
Their Spanish opponents have had two very drab stalemates domestically but Tuchel will be very much aware that his opposition number does not need good results to show up in this competition. That regardless, they have faced Chelsea three times and have come out without a win on all three occasions in all competitions.
Tactically, Zidane deployed a low block and hit Liverpool on the counter at the Estadio Alfredo di Stefano, and it worked perfectly. Vinicius terrorized Liverpool’s back line. Carvajal makes it back in time to play at right back but eyebrows will be raised about his level of fitness for this game. Nacho or Ferde Valverde can have another run at left back in Mendy’s absence. This is the fourteenth semifinal for Real Madrid and Chelsea’s eighth.
Chelsea is not that expansive with the ball but is very tight at the back. They dwell on their wing play to hurt teams. Reece James and Ben Chilwell look the sure starters because of the defensive ability they both possess. The defense has managed to keep 18 clean sheets in the last 25 games. Just as many as Manchester City has kept in Tuchel's time frame.
Real Madrid has the personnel to unlock that back line, Benzema and Vinicius can do that to perfect effect. Toni Kroos, Casemiro and Modric are the combative force in the middle for the Galacticos. Thomas Tuchel must romp up his men to stifle the progress of this brilliant trio. The midfield Tuchel selects must be one to cut Real Madrid's passing lanes and to provide quick passes to release Chelsea's front line. A 3-4-2-1 looks like the go-to formation. Kante and Jorginho may sit in front of the defense to provide cover with Kovacic being unavailable.
The task for Tuchel would be who starts up front. Kai or Giroud, lots would prefer the latter, but he seems to have fallen out of favor with Tuchel. He has preferred the former to lead the line with Timo and Mount playing of him. Timo broke his goal scoring drought at the weekend against West Ham and that should be a confidence booster going into tonight’s encounter.
Chelsea is gradually getting there and could be repeating the happenings of their 2012 campaign.
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