Timetable | Wednesday 12th of April at 19:00 GMT |
Prediction | Real Madrid to Win! |
Odds | Real Madrid to Win @ 1.88 |
Bookmaker | Lunubet Sports |
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Defending UCL champions Real Madrid will continue their quest for a 15th UCL title on April 12th, when they host Chelsea at the Santiago Bernabéu in the first leg of this mouthwatering quarter final tie.
Los Blancos will certainly start as favourites in Madrid, while the bookies also fancy them to win the tie as a whole. As for Chelsea, they’ve endured a difficult and tumultuous season that sees them lie 10th in the Premier and out of both domestic cups, with the UCL odds offering their only tangible chance of silverware and a potential route into next years’ tournament.
However, Chelsea also have a habit of upsetting the odds in Europe, with Thomas Tuchel steering the Blues to their second UCL crown in 2021 (eliminating both Real Madrid and Manchester City along the way).
So, can they stun Madrid in their own back yard and take a crucial lead into the second leg, or will Los Blancos beat their rivals and put one foot in the Champions League quarterfinals? Here's my Real Madrid vs Chelsea preview!
💯 Real Madrid vs Chelsea Odds

The football betting sites ante post prices have been published for the Real Madrid vs Chelsea first leg clash, with Los Blancos currently odds-on to defeat Chelsea in Spain. However, there’s a broad range of markets that you can explore ahead of the first leg, and I’ve listed some of the best and most popular Real Madrid vs Chelsea odds below.
🏆 Real Madrid vs Chelsea Odds: Match Winner
Market | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Real Madrid to Win | 1.83 | 1.88 | 1.91 | 1.83 | 1.91 | 1.83 | 1.83 |
Chelsea to Win | 4.33 | 4.33 | 4.50 | 4.00 | 4.00 | 4.25 | 4.33 |
Draw | 3.50 | 3.67 | 3.60 | 3.50 | 3.60 | 3.50 | 3.50 |
⚽ Real Madrid vs Chelsea Odds: Both Teams to Score
If you like to wager with nominal stakes and don’t think that there’s a great deal of value to be found in backing Madrid to win outright, you could consider betting on both sides to score in the first leg. This is a popular wager type, especially given the quality attacking players who represent both teams.
Market | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Yes | 1.90 | 1.85 | 1.78 | 1.80 | 1.77 | 1.80 | 1.85 |
No | 2.00 | 1.95 | 1.94 | 1.91 | 2.00 | 1.91 | 1.85 |
🥅 Real Madrid vs Chelsea Odds: Over/Under 2.5 Goals
You can also access a number of totals betting markets pertaining to Real Madrid vs Chelsea. For example, you can wager on whether you think there will be over or under 2.5 goals scored in the first leg, which is an interesting market given that the tournament’s 112 matches so far have produced 342 goals at a rate of 3.05 per game.
Market | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Over 2.5 Goals | 1.95 | 2.03 | 2.00 | 1.91 | 1.91 | 1.95 | 2.00 |
Under 2.5 Goals | 1.84 | 1.85 | 1.78 | 1.80 | 1.88 | 1.80 | 1.73 |
🏅 Real Madrid Champions League Quarterfinal Leg 1 Preview
After completing their fourth European double last season, it’s fair to say that Madrid have failed to scale the same heights so far in 2022/23. To this end, they’ve slumped 12 points behind a revitalized Barcelona side in La Liga, with their recent, last gap defeat at the Nou Camp all but ending their chances of retaining their domestic title.
Interestingly, their domestic form has been patchy since prior to the World Cup. Since beating Sevilla 3-1 at home on October 22nd of last year, Los Blancos have won just seven of their 15 La Liga matches, drawing four while suffering defeats against Rayo Vallecano, Villareal, Mallorca and Barcelona. They’re also on the verge of a Copa del Rey exit, having been beaten 1-0 in the first leg of their semi-final tie with their bitter Catalan rivals.
Perhaps unsurprisingly given their history and heritage, Madrid have fared slightly better in Europe this season, winning their first three matches to all but secure top spot in Group F. They also navigated a potentially difficult draw against last years’ finalists Liverpool in the round of 16, thrashing the Reds 5-2 in the first leg at Anfield before completing a routine 1-0 win in the return match.
Real Madrid also have few injury concerns ahead of the first leg clash, although left back Ferland Mendy remains sidelined with a long-term muscle injury. Los Blancos also managed to get through the round of 16 without collecting any suspensions, so should be close to full strength when they entertain Chelsea.
📰 Latest Real Madrid Champions League News
Tweets by Man City⚡ Chelsea Champions League Quarterfinal Leg 1 Preview
Even allowing for the uncertainty that gripped Chelsea following the departure of long-term owner Roman Abramovich last season, few would have envisaged the scale of the transition that has taken place in 2022/23. Since the summer takeover by Todd Boehly, the Blues have replaced UCL-winning manager Thomas Tuchel with Graham Potter, appointed a new director of football and spent more than £600 million across two transfer windows.
This background chaos has had a negative impact on the team’s on-field performances, with Chelsea currently languishing 10th in the Premier League and having exited both domestic cups at the first hurdle. After a steady start, new manager Potter has also seen his side win just four of 18 EPL matches daring back to October 19th, while recording seven defeats and scoring a paltry 14 goals in the process.
The Blues also kicked off their UCL campaign with a 1-0 defeat away at Dinamo Zagreb, after which Tuchel was ruthlessly fired. Since then, however, Chelsea have showcased their best form in European competition, winning their last four group stage matches and beating Milan home and away in the process. Borussia Dortmund Dortmund were also dispatched in the round of 16, as Chelsea overturned a 1-0, first leg defeat to prevail thanks to goals by Raheem Sterling and Kai Havertz at the Bridge.
The Blues lengthy injury list is also beginning to shortern, although influential centre back Thiago Silva is still sidelined with a ligament strain. Mason Mount may also miss out with a bruised pelvis, while Sterling has been unavailable for the last three matches with a hamstring strain. Powerful striker Armando Broja remains a long-term absentee following a crucial ligament repture in December.
📰 Latest Chelsea Champions League News
Tweets by Bayern🆚 Real Madrid vs Chelsea Key Matchups
Real Madrid boasts a large and talented squad, while Graham Potter regularly like to rotate Chelsea’s starting eleven and shape. Still, some players are considerably more likely to start than other if they’re fit, so here’s an in-depth look at some of the most influential duels and how they’ll impact the game.
1️⃣ Karim Benzema vs Kalidou Koulibaly
Where else can we start but with Real’s talismanic striker Karim Benzema, who has scored 19 goals in 29 outings this season and a staggering 63 in 75 matches dating back to the start of the 2021/22 campaign. The French forward also starred during the round of 16 win over Liverpool, scoring twice at Anfield and three times in the tie overall.
Benzema is also the fourth highest UCL goal scorer of all time, having hit 89 goals in 148 matches at a rate of 0.60 per game for Lyon and Madrid. So, Chelsea cannot underestimate the 35-year-old’s threat, especially with their brilliant centre back and influential leader Thiago Silva set to miss out with injury.
In his absence, Chelsea are likely to field Kalidou Koulibaly, who certainly has the strength and physique to handle Benzema physically. However, he has drawn considerable criticism for his performances this season, and the Blues cannot afford for the Senegalese defender to be anything less than 100% in Madrid.
Benzema certainly has the movement and predatory instincts to pounce on any lapses from Koulibaly, who will need support and good communication from his colleagues at all time. Chelsea are likely to deploy a back three against Madrid, at least in part to provide additional cover when Koulibaly gets tight to Benzema.
2️⃣ Antonio Rüdiger vs Kai Havertz
At the other end of the pitch, the Real vs Chelsea first leg will see Los Blanco’s powerful centre back Antonio Rüdiger play against his former club for the first time since leaving in the summer of 2022.
Rüdiger has certainly settled in well at Madrid, where his aggressive style and ball-carrying skills are perfectly complimented by the dependable Éder Militão alongside him. However, the German is prone to occasional lapses in concentration and positional sense, while he also prefers to play against physical and less mobile forwards.
Unfortunately for him, Chelsea’s forward line is likely to feature boh Kai Haverz and Atletico Madrid loanee Joao Felix, both of whom are quick, mobile and like to take up spaces in between midfield and attack. They’ve also interchanged positions with increased fluidity in recent games, and I expect them to take turns in occupying Rüdiger and attempting to draw him out of position.
If Chelsea can do this successfully and get runners from midfield, they’ll retain a constant threat on the counterattack in Madrid.
3️⃣ Luka Modric vs N’Golo Kante
Chelsea have missed the indefatigable Frenchman N’Golo Kante of late, but this return to fitness and the Blues’ midfield has come just in time for the match with Madrid.
Interestingly, Kante played a key role when the Blues defeated Madrid in the semi-final of the 2020/21 tournament, while operating in a slightly more advanced position ahead of Jorginho and regularly looking to run off the back of Los Blanco’s midfield. However, I expect him to play deeper in the first leg this time around, especially with Madrid’s influential Luka Modric playing in an increasingly advanced midfield role himself.
Make no mistake; the fit-again Kante will be tasked with tracking Modric and denying him space in the final third, while Madrid will look to get other players around the Croatian to outnumber Chelsea centrally.
This will undoubtedly be a key battle, and one that could determine who controls the middle of the park and the flow of the game.
📈 Real Madrid vs Chelsea Head-to-Head Statistics
Real Madrid vs Chelsea has become a significant rivalry in recent European campaigns, with the two having contested the UCL semi-finals in 2020/21 and the quarterfinals last time around.
Chelsea eliminated Madrid in the last four on their way to the title in 2021, earning a credible 1-1 draw in Spain before producing an exceptionally disciplined display to win the second leg 2-0 at Stamford Bridge.
While Los Blancos earned a modicum of revenge as the powered towards a 14th UCL crown last season, their quarterfinal win over Chelsea provided a rollercoaster wide. Despite winning 3-1 at Stamford Bridge against an error-strewn Chelsea in the first leg, they found themselves 4-3 down in aggregate with just 15 minutes left of the return match at the Bernabeu. However, an 80th-minute goal by Rodrygo took the tie to extra time, before Benzema struck the winner after 96 minutes.
Outside of the Champions League, Madrid beat Chelsea 2-1 in the 1971 UEFA European Cup Winners Cup Final replay, after the original game was drawn 1-1. The teams also contested the 1998 UEFA Super Cup, with European Champions Madrid edging Cup Winners Cup winners Chelsea 1-0 in Monaco.
🏆 Real Madrid vs Chelsea Prediction – Who will Win?
Forecasting the outcome of any UCL quarterfinal is challenging given the quality of the competing sides, and making an accurate Real Madrid vs Chelsea prediction for the first leg is no exception to this rule.
Both sides have struggled domestically by their own high standards through 2022/23, with Madrid 12 points behind bitter rivals Barcelona in La Liga and Chelsea stranded in tenth in the Premier League. Neither has been in particularly impressive or consistent form for some time, either, while each team has clear defensive vulnerabilities that the other will look to exploit.
However, these struggles also mean that Real Madrid and Chelsea will throw everything into this quarter final tie, and Los Blancos will be determined to make home advantage count in the first leg. Chelsea’s lack of a recognized and prolific number nine may also prove crucial, especially with the clinical Benzema starting for Madrid at the other of the pitch.
So, although I expect both sides to score in Madrid, I think Los Blancos will edge the game by the odd goals and take a crucial lead to London.
⚽ My Real Madrid vs Chelsea Prediction: Real Madrid to Win! Final Score: Real Madrid 2 🏆 Chelsea 1
🔍 Real Madrid vs Chelsea Betting Tips
With this Real vs Chelsea prediction in mind, it’s important to identify the best value Real Madrid vs Chelsea betting odds and the markets most likely to deliver a return on your bankroll. Here are some Real Madrid vs Chelsea betting tips to keep in mind!
1️⃣ Both Sides Score at 1.90 with TonyBet Sports
Neither side has been defensively outstanding this season, with Madrid particularly sloppy at the back in their recent defeat to Barcelona and Chelsea struggling to keep clean sheets in the absence of the brilliant Thiago Silva.
Because of this, it’s likely that both sides will have chances at the Bernabeu, while Real’s attacking line of Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo and Benzema remains incredibly potent and often ruthless in front of goal.
While Chelsea may lack the same cutting edge or incision in attack, they retain enough movement and creativity to get themselves into goalscoring positions. They’ll also have space to attack during transition at the Bernabeu, so Madrid will do well to keep a clean sheet in the first leg.
You can back both sides to score at a market leading price of 1.90 with TonyBet Sports, creating a decent return even on a relatively small stake amount.
2️⃣ Over 2.5 goals at 2.03 with PalmSlots Sports
UCL quarterfinal matches tend to be tight, tense and keenly contested affairs, so competing teams rarely play with attacking abandon unless they have to. So, the bookies are relatively split on whether there will be over or under 2.5 goals scored in the Real Madrid vs Chelsea first leg, despite the quality of the attacking players on show and each team’s defensive issues.
Currently, you can unlock the best value by betting on there being over 2.5 goals scored in the game, with this outcome priced at a competitive2.03 by PalmSlots Sports.
This certainly reflects my own prediction, as I fully expect both teams to score in Spain and the home side to win the game by the odd goal. So, it’s worth backing both sides to score with PalmSlots, ideally as an ante post rather than an in-play wager.
This is because the price is likely to shorten once the game kicks off, especially if there’s an early goal scored by either side.
3️⃣ Real Madrid to Win and Both Sides to Score at 4.00 with BoyleSports and William Hill
If you like to pursue slightly higher priced outcomes with smaller stakes, you could consider combining different match betting markets in a single wager.
For example, if you agree with my match prediction and respect the obvious attacking qualities of each team, you could back Real Madrid to win and both sides to score at the Bernabeu.
While this type of combination wager increases your risk of loss incrementally, it can also deliver significantly higher returns, with both BoyleSports and William Hill Sports pricing this at 4.00 in the current marketplace.
This means that you can win €4 for every €1 wagered, potentially creating a handy payout even when you commit a nominal stake.
🎁 Champions League Free Bet Offers to use on Real Madrid vs Chelsea

In order to realise the full value of each individual bet that you place and your starting bankroll, I’d recommend that you compare the market for the best betting sites most rewarding free bet offers. I’ve listed 12 Real Madrid vs Chelsea free bet offers below, while highlighting three that offer the most value in the current market.
1️⃣ Ladbrokes – Bet €5 and Earn €20 in Free Bets
Ladbrokes remains one of the most popular sportsbooks in Ireland and the UK, with a huge presence both on and offline. If you sign up for a new account with Ladbrokes ahead of the Real Madrid vs Chelsea first leg and place a qualifying wager of €5, you’ll earn free bets worth a total of €20. This bonus comprises four separate €5 free bets, while your qualifying wager must be placed on outcomes with minimum odds of 1.50. Once the bonus has been added to your account, you’ll have seven days to deploy your free bets.
2️⃣ PalmSlots Sports – 100% Deposit Match up to €100
I also like the look of the current welcome offer from online betting brand PalmSlots Sports, which comprises a 100% first deposit match up to the value of $100. This is available to new Irish customers who credit their account with a minimum of €10, while the bonus funds unlocked by your deposit will be subjected to wagering requirements of 16x. All bets must be placed on selections with odds of 1.80 or greater, while the failure to meet these terms will render the bonus null and void.
3️⃣ BoyleSports – Bet €10 and Earn €20 in Free Bets
BoyleSports may be the most loved and frequented sports betting brand in Ireland, both off and online. As a new customer, you can qualify for a €20 free bet when you deposit funds and place an initial wager of €10 or more. You’ll have 30 days to make the qualifying bet after registering, and while the minimum odds requirement is slightly higher at 2.00, this still enables you to pursue a number of betting markets pertaining to Real Madrid vs Chelsea.
Sportsbook | Offer | Visit Sportsbook |
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Receive up to €20 in Free Bets | ||
Receive up to €100 | ||
€40 Welcome Offer | ||
Receive up to €50 in Bonus Funds | ||
Get €40 in Bonus Funds | ||
€20 Free Bet Bonus | ||
€100 No Wagering Bonus Offer | ||
Get a €40 Bonus | ||
Free Bet Offer up to €30 | ||
Get up to €100 in Bonus Funds | ||
Get up to €100 in Profit Boosts | ||
€30 Matched Bet |
🥇 Real Madrid vs Chelsea Path to the Final
The quarter final draw for the Champions League was concluded back on Friday, 17th March, with the clash between Real Madrid and Chelsea one of four intriguing ties in the last eight. At the same time, the potential semi-final draw was made, enabling each remaining side to plot their path to the UCL final on June 10th.
Unfortunately for Real Madrid and Chelsea, they’ve been drawn in the toughest half of the draw, with the winner of this side facing either Manchester City or Bayern Munich in the semis. Real, City and Bayern are among the top four favourites to win the 2022/23 Champions League, and while Chelsea are relative outsiders, they have form in the tournament and won it as recently as 2021.
The semi-finals will be contested between May 9th and 17th, while the June final is scheduled to take place at the iconic Ataturk Stadium in Istanbul.
If Real Madrid or Chelsea reach the final, they’ll face either second favourites Napoli, Milan, Benfica or Inter, and this would certainly make for a fascinating and unpredictable showpiece.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Real Madrid vs Chelsea Prediction
To summarise the contents of this guide and Real Madrid vs Chelsea quarters prediction, I’m going to answer some of your frequently asked questions about the first leg clash and tie as a whole. If you have any remaining questions not answered here, feel free to reach out and speak to the team!
1️⃣ Real Madrid vs Chelsea Champions League Leg 1 – Who Will Win?
Real Madrid are obvious favourites to beat Chelsea in the quarterfinal first leg, thanks to a combination of home advantage and their greater potency in attack. However, although I agree that Madrid will prevail at the Bernabeu, Chelsea are a well-organized side with a significant attacking threat, and I can see both sides scoring in a close encounter.
2️⃣ What’s the best price for Real Madrid to beat Chelsea?
Currently, Real are priced as high as 1.91 to beat Chelsea in the quarterfinal first leg, with both Luckster and Unibet offering this price. Conversely, you can bet on the Blues to win the longer price of 4.50 with Luckster and average odds of 4.33. If you’re interested, a first leg draw can be backed at an average price of 3.50.
3️⃣ Where Can I Watch Real Madrid vs Chelsea?
This intriguing first leg clash will take place on Wednesday, April 12th at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid. It’s scheduled to kick off at 20:00 GMT, while BT Sport 1 will stream all the action live to Irish and UK viewers. If you’re a fan of in-play or micro betting, you should also check with your chosen sportsbook to see if it’s live streaming the match.
4️⃣ What are the Odds for Both Sides to Win the 2022/23 Champions League?
Despite being 14-time winners and defending European champions, Madrid’s inconsistent form has left them fourth favourites to prevail this season at an average price of 8.00. As for Chelsea, they can be backed at an average price of 15.00 to win this season’s UCL, which is quite competitive given that they won the tournament as recently as 2021.
✒️ Lewis Humphries – UEFA Champions League Betting Expert
Lewis Humphries is an experienced football writer and tipster from the UK. He writes regularly about the Champions League, Premier League, Serie A and other competitions, regularly delivering expert match predictions and betting insights. He also successfully predicted the winner of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, while accurately forecasting the outcome of several group stage and knockout games.
Lewis doesn't just stick to sports; you can also find plenty of casino gaming content. He's reviewed some of the world's leading online casino platforms, while creating blog posts and landing page content for various sports betting brands.His content has also been featured on a number of different sites, including Life Hack, Investopedia, Yahoo Finance and Business Insider. He also pens regular sports features for sites including 90 Minutes, Think Football Ideas and Sportsblog.