Real Madrid vs Chelsea: Karim Benzema, Vinicius Jr always deliver in Champions League, says ex-Barca player

The familiar attacking outburst to sink their rivals convinced former Barcelona midfielder Jofre Mateu — currently a football expert with Sony Sports Network — that Karim Benzema and Vinicius Junior are poised to give Real Madrid another of those famous European nights as Chelsea visit the Spanish capital this Wednesday night.

A year ago at the same stage (quarterfinals), the French striker bust the net four times over two legs. Vinicius was a sight of terror for Chelsea across both the legs as he assisted two of Benzema’s goal, including the decisive header in Bernabeu tie’s extra time that took Los Blancos to the finals.

“They (Benzema and Vinicius) are both performing better when the pressure is higher on them,” said Mateu while replying to Mykhel.com. “When the team is struggling and suffering to create chances, they are the ones who ask for the ball. They are the players that the big team needs and is the reason why they are at Real Madrid.”

Madrid’s chances of further winning the opening leg of the quarters are bolstered by the fact that Chelsea is in a fragile state with Graham Potter sacked as their manager.

The club’s new owners turned to Frank Lampard in need of a caretaker manager until the end of the season despite the latter’s failed stint two years ago. The appointment expectedly doesn’t convince many, including Mateu, who thinks nobody wants to be in Lampard’s shoes.

“For Chelsea, it’s not about the future at the moment, it’s about getting immediate results. No coach likes to be in that situation. That’s why I can’t imagine a positive result for them as they face Real Madrid and will be lucky to succeed. But again, you never know in football,” said the 43-year-old Catalonian.

Things are not calm in Madrid as well with their key midfielder Fede Valverde all set to be in trouble with the Spanish FA. The Uruguayan reportedly punched a rival player during the weekend La Liga trip to Villarreal. An all-competition suspension is not out of consideration and is the last thing Valverde and the 14-time European champions want amid media pressure.

Champions League is Real Madrid’s tournament: Jofre Mateu

Despite the unsought situation, Jofre Mateu still backs Real Madrid to prevail over Chelsea solely on the stature of All Whites in the premium tournament. The club stunned some of the major contenders last year to lift their 14 titles and have built a reputation of turning the tide their way when least expected.

“There’s nothing that gives you the key to stop Real Madrid. Still, you will always have this feeling that you have a chance against them but in the end Champions League is their competition. And I am being honest, I don’t give Chelsea much of a chance,” said the Spanish.

And if the murmurs in Spanish media are to be believed, the club’s manager Carlo Ancelloti may not see out his contract despite having an agreement till June 2024. Mateu also believes the pressure is on the Italian old guard to deliver the European crown once again with Mauricio Pochettino and even Antonio Conte in line to succeed him.

“I feel Ancelloti won’t last beyond this season if Real Madrid don’t win the Champions League. It doesn’t matter what happens in the Copa del Rey final, if they don’t win the Champions League, he might be out as some of the big managers are looking for a job,” said the former midfielder.

This also explained why Ancelloti rested the likes of Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Eder Militao, and Eduardo Camavinga against a strong Villarreal at home. Losing the domestic league crown to arch-rivals Barcelona is still acceptable to the fans if the European crown comes home for the record-extending 15th time!

Watch the LIVE coverage of UEFA Champions League 2022/23: Quarter Final (Leg 1) – Real Madrid vs Chelsea on Sony Sports Ten 2 (English), Sony Sports Ten 3 (Hindi) & Sony Sports Ten 4 (Tamil & Telugu) channels at 12:30 am IST on 13th April 2023