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Real Madrid and Chelsea are set to lock horns in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League (UCL) semi-final tie at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano on Tuesday and it’s going to be a mouthwatering clash.

Tuesday’s clash in the Spanish capital is the first between these illustrious sides in the UCL. They last contested against each other in the 1998-99 Super Cup at the Stade Louis II, Monaco that ended with a 1-0 win for the Londoners courtesy of a lone Gus Poyet strike and, more famously, 50 years ago in the defunct European Cup-Winners’ Cup final in Athens, which the Blues won in a replay.

1. Zidane Is A Tactical Genius

Zinedine Zidane is one of the most successful managers in the world. Zidane became the first coach to win the UCL title three times consecutively, with a haul that includes the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup twice each, as well as a La Liga title and a Supercopa de Espana in tow. The meat of this factor is that Zidane is not lauded enough for his ability to pull hot iron out of the fire thanks to his tactical ingenuity. This term his Real Madrid tutored side managed to beat Barcelona in the ‘El Classico’ clash at the Nou Camp then they white washed Liverpool home and away without the services of key players who were sidelined with injuries. Time would tell who would come out on top in the technical contest between Zidane and Tuchel.

1. Modric Holds The Ace In The Midfield

Luka Madrid is the creative fulcrum for Real Madrid, as he links transition as both a shield and supply line for ‘Los Blancos’. The Croatia international has scored three goals in the La Liga and one goal in the UCL this term. The diminutive midfielder has demonstrated fantastic playmaking skills countless times, which makes Real Madrid tick. He’s one player who can make things happen out of nothing.

1. Real Madrid Have The Requisite Experience For The Big Occasion

The ‘Los Blancos’ have the highest number of UCL titles in Europe. A haul of 13 trophies has made the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu based side a team to dread in the Holy Grail of European football. They know how to wriggle out of tight situations and turn the tide against their opponents. When the chips are down they know how to deliver the goods. This is Chelsea’s first semifinal appearance since 2014 and they have certainly proved their credentials as one of the continent’s top club sides. On this occasion it’s the team that converts their chances that will scale through to the final in Istanbul. This description perfectly fits the mould of Real Madrid.

1. Courtois Has A Point To Prove To His Former Employers

Real’s recent success has also been built on a strong defence with a potent shot stopper in Thibaut Courtois. This has seen Zidane’s side keep four clean sheets on the spin even though ‘Los Blancos’ have also failed to score in three of those matches. Courtois always delivers when he’s called into action and on Tuesday he would be more than willing to thwart the attempts of his former employers at the Estadio Alfredo di Stefano. The Belgian international has kept 15 clean sheets so far this term and this speaks volumes about his goal tending abilities.

Match Prediction

Real Madrid (2-0) Chelsea – Zinedine Zidane’s troops have their sights set on the biggest prize of European football. Tuesday will not be a different situation, as they would bare their fangs against the English giants from north London in spectacular fashion