Thomas Tuchel Chelsea
Thomas Tuchel Chelsea

Chelsea take on Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final this week and according to Michael Owen, Thomas Tuchel could hold the key to helping knock Madrid out.

The Blues managed to pick up a 1-1 draw in Spain meaning they have that crucial away goal in the bag. And the fact that they do not have to push and take the initiative in the second leg makes this game absolutely tailormade for the Chelsea manager.

The pundit wrote for BetVictor: “Onto Wednesday night’s match where Chelsea have a huge opportunity as they take on Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge.

“This is the type of game where Thomas Tuchel thrives. With an away goal in the bag, he is sure to have his side well drilled with the aim of giving nothing away. If Chelsea are happy to sit in, I think there is every chance they could nick one on the break against a Madrid defence that’s looked shaky in recent weeks.

“With that in mind, I’m siding with the Blues’ to go through and make it a second all English UEFA Champions League final in three years.”

Chelsea have been rock solid in defence under Thomas Tuchel and so far, the Premier League side have conceded only eight goals in 15 league games since their new manager has taken charge.

 

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And given they already have that precious away goal, Chelsea will now have the luxury to sit back and hit on the counter.

Thomas Tuchel masterfully used N’Golo Kante to neutralize Real Madrid’s midfield in the first leg and this time around, the manager could very well work his magic on the defensive line.

Chelsea play with two wing-backs so Tuchel’s side are equipped to immediately form a five-man backline in case they need to shut down their opponents. So, for Real Madrid to have any chance at securing a win, they will have to score early so that Thomas Tuchel is forced to push his forwards, something which the manager is not particularly good at.

Read: One Real Madrid man could be the game-changer in the second leg.

Read: Two key factors could decide if Chelsea can beat Real Madrid or not.

Read: Here’s how Real Madrid could line up vs Chelsea in the second leg.

Read: Chelsea’s predicted line-up vs Real Madrid – UCL.