Troubled Chelsea face Real Madrid in quarters

Thomas Tuchel

Troubled holders Chelsea were drawn against 13-time winners Real Madrid in the quarter-finals of the Champions League on Friday, while Manchester City will take on Atletico Madrid. Liverpool were drawn to play Benfica as all three remaining English clubs were kept apart and Bayern Munich were paired with Spanish side Villarreal. Chelsea are hoping to defend their title in Europe despite turmoil at the Stamford Bridge club, who were put up for sale after the British government placed Russian owner Roman Abramovich under sanctions in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Thomas Tuchel’s team were drawn to play Real at home in the first leg on April 5 or 6, before the return at the Santiago Bernabeu a week later. However, pending confirmation from UEFA, the matches may be switched to avoid them and City playing in Madrid in the same midweek. “We know what is coming, but it will be an exciting and tough challenge,” said Tuchel. It was reported this week that Chelsea may have to play their next Champions League home ties behind closed doors due to EU sanctions on Abramovich that prevent them from selling tickets.

“It would be a disadvantage,” admitted Tuchel. “In general this kind of game is for the spectators and the game changes so much without them so hopefully we find a solution.” Chelsea beat Madrid—now coached by ex-Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti—in the semi-finals last season on the way to defeating Pep Guardiola’s City in the final in Porto and lifting the Champions League trophy for the second time under Abramovich’s ownership.

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