Chelsea vs Real Madrid: It is always nice to play European teams, says Thomas Tuchel on Champions League draw

Chelsea have possibly got one of the toughest assignments in the Champions League quarterfinal draw. The Blues were drawn against Real Madrid in the last eight stage of the competition. The pulsating clash will be a repeat of last season’s semifinal when Thomas Tuchel’s side outsmarted Los Blancos 3-1 on aggregate to reach the final, which they won by beating Manchester City 1-0. This time, the two European giants are facing off each other in a round earlier but the importance of the match is not lost on both sets of fans. Infact, Chelsea could also face last season’s finalists Manchester City in the semifinals if they both win their respective last eight clashes. Pep Guardiola’s side also have a difficult challenge in hand, as they are drawn up against defending La Liga champions Atletico Madrid.

Thomas Tuchel has labelled the upcoming Champions League clash as a “tough challenge” and he knows why after playing them twice last campaign. The Blues had to settle for a 1-1 draw away at Santiago Bernabeu but won the reverse leg 2-0 at Stamford Bridge thanks to goals from Timo Werner and Mason Mount. It allowed Chelsea to reach the final in Porto, which they won against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City 1-0. 

On the other hand, Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid will be brimming with confidence after winning their Champions League round-of-16 tie against Paris Saint-Germain. They are also enjoying a comfortable lead at the top of the La Liga standings. Unlike last season’s behind closed doors match, Santiago Bernabeu will be filled with local support, making it all the more difficult for the defending champions in the second leg.

READ MORE – Find out everything about the Champions League quarter-final draw

Thomas Tuchel: It will be a tough challenge

“Tough one. The challenge cannot be much higher than playing the second leg in the Bernabeu with spectators. It is a big challenge and also there’s big excitement around this match and fixture. We know what is coming and it will be a tough challenge,” Tuchel was quoted as saying by their club’s website.

The Blues could face last season’s finalists Manchester City in the semifinals if both teams win their respective quarterfinal clashes. Ideally, Tuchel wants to avoid an English side if they progress through to the next stage.

“Not important [to avoid English opposition] but it is a European night and it is always nice to play European teams, and not play English teams at this stage, because you play so many times in domestic competition,” he added.

Speaking about the current sanctions, Tuchel said, “It would be a disadvantage [not having any fans]. In general, this game is for the spectators. The game can change so much with spectators, so hopefully we find a solution. Everybody at the club and on the board will fight for a chance. I am not sure how big the possibility is. These games, any game, is for the spectators. It’s a different game when the crowd is in the stadium.”