Reece James returns to the starting XI for Chelsea who have an uphill task overturning the 3-1 deficit against Spanish giants Real Madrid.
The Blues last turned out away at Southampton last weekend with Thomas Tuchel’s men running riot with a 6-0 scoreline to mark a return to winning ways.
Loftus-Cheek retains wing-back berth
James is slotted in the three-man defensive lineup for the visitors to the Spanish capital alongside Antonio Rudiger and Thiago Silva.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who retains his starting berth on the Chelsea teamsheet from the Southampton clash, starts in the right-back role with Marcos Alonso on the other side of the pitch.
An unchanged attacking lineup for Chelsea
Mateo Kovacic and N’Golo Kante remain the midfield options for Tuchel’s west Londoners with Italy international Jorginho starting today on the bench.
In the final third of the pitch, Timo Werner is joined by Kai Havertz and Mason Mount with the trio in fine form in front of the goal last time around.
Here is how both teams line up for today’s Champions League fixture:
Real Madrid FC XI
📋✅ Our starting 𝗫𝗜 🆚 @ChelseaFC! #UCL pic.twitter.com/YakehNI05U
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) April 12, 2022
Chelsea FC XI
Your Blues in Madrid… 📋#UCL pic.twitter.com/IkiXyEw95z
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) April 12, 2022
