Frank Leboeuf has backed Chelsea to beat Real Madrid tomorrow and across both legs of their Champions League quarter-final clash.
Speaking on ESPN, Leboeuf foresaw a victory for Thomas Tuchel’s men at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday evening.
Madrid make the trip to London, eager to avenge last season’s semi-final defeat at the hands of the eventual competition winners.
Chelsea won 3-1 on aggregate, thanks to a sterling performance on home soil to seal their place in the show-piece event against Manchester City.
On this occasion, the ties are reversed, with the European champions heading over to Spain later this month.
But not before Carlo Ancelotti’s men attempt to thwart their hosts and stake a real claim for continental glory once again.
Who will be victorious between Chelsea and Madrid?
The Blues and Los Blancos arguably present the tastiest tie of the round, one that really could go in any direction.
However, Leboeuf prophesied a win for his former side, even throwing in a final score line prediction for good measure.
“Well, let’s say that we saw two teams who were already in the Champions League frame of mind,” he said.
“I see a big game, I see a close call. I see a 1-0 to Chelsea or 2-1.
“I will say 2-1 to Chelsea for that game and I see Chelsea going through over the two legs.”
Preparation is key
Confidence is certainly key in this scenario, something Chelsea seemingly lacked on the weekend.
They warmed up for Madrid by facing a Baltic Brentford breeze that froze the Blues to their core.
Thomas Frank’s Bees handsomely won 4-1 on the road, scoring three times in ten minutes after the half-time interval.
Ancelotti must be rubbing his hands after witnessing such a shock result, although over-smugness would not be wise.
For one, his squad did not exactly set the world alight when they narrowly overcame mid-table Celta Vigo 2-1 on Saturday.
Plus, there is nothing worse than facing a wounded Chelsea, ready to wreak havoc on their next rival.
Beware the Blues.
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