Chelsea vs Real Madrid

How to bet the most high-profile matchup of this year's Champions League quarterfinals pitting the defending European champs against the runaway La Liga ...

With Timo Werner likely to make way for Christian Pulisic in this match, Chelsea's finishing should improve. Kovacic picked up five assists early in the league season, but since returning from a mid-year injury, he hasn't grabbed a single one in any competition. Kovacic has a 93 percent pass completion rate in four Champions League appearances this season, plus an 89 percent pass success rate in Premier League play. While PSG has plenty of attacking firepower, it didn't display any on-field cohesion and was easily picked apart in transition. The Chelsea attack, meanwhile, put together a gargantuan seven "big chances" and produced 3.79 expected goals (xG). With many of the same key players still in the fold, Chelsea could find similar results, even if Madrid finds a goal of their own. Historically, Chelsea has had the better results, never losing to Real Madrid in five previous matches (three wins & two draws), but that's a small sample size. Although it's important to keep in mind that these are different teams today, that 2-0 battering at Stamford Bridge could provide some insight into how things might unfold. Chelsea is a home favorite despite its weekend slip, almost even odds on the moneyline which is surprising given how evenly matched the two sides look. Statistically both clubs present similar strengths and weaknesses, and each team has seen inconsistent form of late. The 4-1 final scoreline was a red flag, especially given the four goals conceded at home by a Chelsea team that prides itself on airtight defending. Sorting out a betting perspective in a tight match between two flawed teams is a difficult proposition, as it's tough to predict which team will be in best position to capitalize on the other's most glaring holes. Real Madrid followed up its emphatic Round of 16 win over PSG with a complete flop in league play against rivals Barcelona, a game which exposed Madrid's own tactical frailties.