Menzi Magubane
Now that the European Super League drama is over, it’s time for the UEFA Champions League to take the centre stage again.
On Tuesday Real Madrid will host Chelsea at Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano, in Madrid at 9pm in the first semi-final of this season’s competition.
The spotlight, though, will be on Eden Hazard, who is back following an injury that has seen him miss over a month of Los Blancos games. The dribbling wizard is in line to face his former team Chelsea.
The Belgium captain has endured a tough and frustrating time since joining Madrid at the beginning of last season, with persistent injuries preventing him from showing his best form. That is hopefully behind him as his wish of facing Chelsea will soon come true.
In 2019, Hazard said he would love to face Chelsea in the Champions League one day.
“I hope that we are drawn against each other in the Champions League and every season so we can meet again,” he said.
Speaking after his side dropped points in the La Liga title race, his coach Zinedine Zidane delivered a glowing verdict on Hazard’s 15-minute cameo performance on Saturday and revealed his plans for the 30 year old.
“I liked Hazard’s performance. He can be a very important player for us, he can contribute a lot to us,” said Zidane on Football Espana.
Meanwhile, the Blues mentor Thomas Tuchel has told his young squad to embrace the experience of facing Los Blancos.
This will be Chelsea’s first semi-final in Europe’s elite competition since 2014. They also have a squad that is filled with new signings and academy players who have never before reached this stage.
“It’s a big challenge and after it, we will be smarter and better. This will be a huge experience together. We are very happy to arrive at this level. This is what you dream of as a little boy, to play international games against Real Madrid,” said Tuchel.
Picture source: @brfootball
