Real Madrid hosts Chelsea at the Santiago Bernabéu Tuesday for the second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. ET. Below, we preview the Real Madrid vs. Chelsea odds and lines, and make our best Champions League bets, picks and predictions.
Behind F Karim Benzema’s hat trick, Real Madrid defeated Chelsea 3-1 at Stamford Bridge last week.
Benzema scored twice within 3 minutes in the first half and then another in the 46th minute. F Kai Havertz scored Chelsea’s lone goal in the 40th minute despite the home side totaling 20 shots.
Real sits atop La Liga, and although it has the league’s top goal scorer, it’s been a defensive-minded club. It’s allowed 26 goals in 31 league matches this season.
As for Chelsea, it is coming off a confidence-building 6-0 win over Southampton this past weekend. Chelsea is also a defensive-first club, having allowed 23 goals in 30 EPL matches.
Real Madrid vs. Chelsea: Odds, picks and predictions
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Monday at 2:23 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Real Madrid +150 (bet $100 to win $150) | Chelsea +175 (bet $100 to win $175) | Draw +245
- Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -135 | U: +110)
[tipico]
Prediction
Real Madrid 1, Chelsea 1
Money line (ML)
LEAN to the DRAW +245.
These teams are more evenly matched than the first leg showed, and Chelsea is going to be playing with some extra motivation on the brink of elimination.
While Chelsea did have 20 shots, it totaled just 5 on target with Real having 5 as well with just 8 shots. Possession was a 57/43 split favoring Chelsea. Chelsea was coming off a tough 4-1 loss to Brentford in EPL action.
This time, the confidence is a bit different, having thrashed Southampton. Chelsea F Romelu Lukaku is expected to miss the game, putting more on Havertz, who has played excellently as of late.
Chelsea should bring the motivation, while Real, which crushed PSG at home to send it packing in the second leg, will have the fans’ support.
Over/Under (O/U)
LEAN to the UNDER 2.5 (+110).
As noted, the strength of both clubs is defense. With the Blues getting D Cesar Azpilicueta back after he tested positive for COVID-19, their backline should be improved.
One would also expect Chelsea being more prepared to handle Benzema’s masterclass talent after losing to him single-handedly in the first leg.
Similarly, Lukaku is the top threat for Chelsea, and he isn’t expected to make a showing. Havertz and F Mason Mount, who have been off-and-in in terms of production this season, will be the key factors.
The strengths of both teams should shine in the second meeting, and those strengths are on the defensive end.
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