Real Madrid vs Chelsea: Three key players to look out for

The Hard Tackle lists three players whose performances will determine the outcome of the game between Real Madrid and Chelsea.

The UEFA Champions League has resumed with the quarter-finals of the 2022/23 campaign. And the two games so far have already produced some riveting performances. The action will continue on Wednesday, with the marquee fixture pitting Real Madrid against Chelsea at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Real Madrid finished atop Group F ahead of RB Leipzig. Then they dismantled Liverpool in the Round of 16, with the 5-2 win in the first leg sealing the tie. But the Merengues have not been consistent enough this season and come into this game on the back of a 3-2 defeat to Villarreal, which might have sealed the title race in favour of Barcelona.

On the other hand, Chelsea took the scenic route to finishing atop Group E after losing the first match of the season in Europe. And they sealed a memorable comeback win over Borussia Dortmund in the Round of 16. But like Real Madrid, Chelsea will head into Wednesday’s fixture on the back of a narrow defeat.

With neither team looking convincing enough, the match sets up nicely to deliver an enticing affair. And a few players can possibly turn the tie on its head on their own. With that in mind, The Hard Tackle lists three key players for the game between Real Madrid and Chelsea.

Karim Benzema

Our list begins with a player who is arguably the most prolific attacker between the two teams in this tie. And after struggling with fitness issues throughout the season, he has gradually rediscovered his best form. We are, of course, talking about the current Ballon d’Or holder Karim Benzema.

The Frenchman has endured a frustrating season, especially after what happened in Qatar with the French national team. But he has put those issues behind him to regain his fitness and become a talismanic figure again for Real Madrid.

In isolation, a tally of 25 goals and six assists in 32 appearances this season is impressive. But the veteran striker will know he could have found the back of the net over 40 times if he was available throughout the campaign. Nonetheless, he is fit and firing, which bodes well for Real Madrid.

But it is not good news for Chelsea, especially with the Blues conceding cheap goals this season. With the visitors not inspiring much confidence, Benzema will be constantly ready to pounce on the openings that may present themselves. Expect the Real Madrid captain to wreak havoc against Chelsea.

N’Golo Kante

Speaking of what Benzema can possibly do on Wednesday, one Chelsea player will hold the key to shutting the door on the Real Madrid captain. And like the 35-year-old, this midfield general has faced fitness nightmares this season. We are talking about N’Golo Kante.

The Frenchman has had the bizarre record of playing his three home games this season under three different managers. And he will add to it the next time the Blues play at Stamford Bridge. But moving past the ignominy, Kante will invariably be pivotal for Chelsea against Real Madrid.

The veteran midfielder’s contract situation has been an unnecessary distraction for Chelsea. And the rumour mill has been abuzz with links with clubs like Barcelona, PSG, and Liverpool. But Kante will likely sign a new contract with the West London club.

With his situation secured, Kante will focus on getting the job done on Wednesday. And if he is at the races this week, then Karim Benzema and Real Madrid will have a tough time scoring multiple goals past Kepa Arrizabalaga. Expect the World Cup winner to use all his experience to thwart the hosts this week.

Federico Valverde

Our list ends with another midfielder, this time from Real Madrid. The player in question has recently been the subject of controversy off the field. We are talking about Federico Valverde, who might be on borrowed time this season.

The Uruguayan international recently emerged in the news after allegedly assaulting Alex Baena. Valverde now has a police case to worry about, giving him unnecessary distractions ahead of the latest game. But Carlo Ancelotti is adamant that the player remains focused on the task at hand on Wednesday.

Valverde will likely have a free role in the middle of the park and will aim to wreak havoc with his ghosting runs. He will also look to take the burden off Karim Benzema and Vinicius Junior in the final third, giving Chelsea another goalscoring headache to avoid.

The 24-year-old is due a goal. And considering Valverde rises to the occasion in the biggest games, he will look to stamp his authority. At the same time, Valverde’s combative nature should help thwart Chelsea’s progressive midfielders. So he will be a vital cog in Ancelotti’s system on Wednesday.