Real Madrid Draws Chelsea In The Champions League—An Intriguing Matchup

European champion Real Madrid will face Chelsea in the Champions League quarterfinals after being drawn against the London club in Nyon, Switzerland.

The two-legged tie—with the first game in Madrid—is a rerun of last season’s quarterfinal matchup, when Real won 4-5 on aggregate en route to a 14th competition trophy.

Real’s formidable reputation in the tournament means it fears nobody. However, the side will be somewhat relieved to face Chelsea—a team in transition and enduring a tough season domestically. In doing so, it avoids Napoli, champion elect in Italy’s Serie A and a dark horse for the prize.

It also means Real dodges Bayern Munich, hitting form at the right time in Germany, and Manchester City—which is a steady bet for the title despite never winning it previously. Knocking out Chelsea will set up a semifinal clash with one of these teams, though, with them facing off in another quarterfinal.

For Real, this is a chance to flex its muscles against English opposition again. The La Liga giant beat Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool in a thrilling journey to glory last season and this term defeated Liverpool 6-2 in the first knockout stage.

If available, striker Karim Benzema will relish the fixture. The Frenchman—set to officially extend his stay at the Santiago Bernabéu for another campaign—loves playing English teams, with his last ten Champions League goals coming against Premier League opposition. As it stands, Real will have most of its stars available—including full-back Ferland Mendy in the full-back position.

As for Chelsea, the encounter will prove a litmus test. Mid-table in the Premier League, the Blues have reportedly spent over €565 million ($600 million) on recruits since the U.S. owner Todd Boehly took over the side led by coach Graham Potter.

These include expensive incomings Mykhailo Mudryk and Enzo Fernandez, who are still settling into the lineup. Along with their teammates, the duo’s performances against Carlo Ancelotti’s team will be a telling marker regarding how Chelsea’s rebuild is shaping up at this stage. In short, Chelsea—which has won the accolade twice—brings the riches, while Real offers unrivalled experience and know-how.

Beyond the silverware, another tournament triumph would supposedly see Real pocket approximately €80 million ($85 million) in prize money, a little less than the prospective €85 million ($90 million) for a faultless run after not achieving a perfect record in the group stages—which includes performance-related bonuses.

Ancelotti’s men are the only Spanish representatives left in the Champions League after underwhelming campaigns for Barcelona, Atlético Madrid and Sevilla, with the latter aiming to finish a tricky season on a high after sealing progress to the Europa League last eight.

The Champions League quarterfinal fixtures in full are Real Madrid against Chelsea, Manchester City versus Bayern Munich, AC Milan facing Napoli and Benfica taking on Inter Milan.