Prediction: Real Madrid vs Chelsea
Verdict: Real Madrid draw no betÂ
Best Odds: 2/3
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
In a friendly showdown between two European heavyweights in the early hours of Wednesday, Real Madrid and Chelsea will meet at the Bank of America Stadium.
Real Madrid
Starting with Real Madrid, making real history last season as they were crowned double-champions, Los Blancos only further underlined their status as Europe’s ultimate poster boy. Getting their hands on a record-breaking 15th European crown back on June 1st as they secured a 2-0 victory against German giants Borussia Dortmund, Carlo Ancelotti’s men hold a fearsome reputation from across the continent. Reclaiming their La Liga title last season and remarkably losing just one of their 38 top-flight appearances, the Spanish icons will be looking to make a summer statement here. However, despite opening their pre-season preparations with a routine 3-0 victory against Segunda outfit Albacete on July 24th, Madrid have struggled over the past week. Including a 2-1 loss against El Clasico rivals Barcelona last weekend, Ancelotti’s side have suffered back-to-back friendly defeats and are seeking a welcomed boost at the Bank of America Stadium.
Team News
Despite completing what was a sensational move to the Spanish capital this summer, French icon Kylian Mbappe has not travelled to the United States and will play no part in the early hours of Wednesday. Likewise, handed an extended break following England’s silver medal finish at EURO 24, Jude Bellingham is yet to return to Ancelotti’s squad.
Notching 15 La Liga strikes last season and with some even billing him as a potential Ballon d’Or contender this year, attacking talisman Vinicius Junior will get some more minutes under his belt.
Chelsea
As for Chelsea, while the Blues might have dragged themselves to a crucial European return last season, the former Premier League champions are getting a new era underway this summer. Appointing ex-Leicester boss Enzo Maresca back in June, the Londoners will have plenty of pressure on their shoulders this time around. Despite signing off the 2023/24 campaign by winning all of their final five Premier League appearances, Chelsea have struggled to find much initial stability under the one-time Manchester City coach. Eventually falling to an action-packed defeat against the reigning English champions last weekend, Maresca’s new squad have recorded just a single win from any of their four summer appearances over in the United States. Getting their pre-season preparations with a shock 2-2 stalemate against League One outfit Wrexham, the Blues have also shown some extended defensive issues.
Team News
Now looking set to complete a big-money move to Spanish giants Atletico Madrid this week, England international Conor Gallagher will not feature at the Bank of America Stadium here. Likewise, clearly not part of Maresca’s plans this season, 25-year-old Trevor Chalobah has not travelled to the United States and has been forced to train alone in west London.
Returning from a long-term knee injury this summer, French defender Wesley Fofana will continue to work his way back to full fitness in midweek. Notching three pre-season strikes over the past fortnight, ex-RB Leipzig star Christopher Nkunku will spearhead Chelsea’s charge.
Key Factors to Consider
When Real Madrid and Chelsea last met in Champions League quarter-final action back in April 2023, Los Blancos picked up a 4-0 aggregate victory.
The Spanish heavyweights have won three of their previous four meetings against Chelsea.
Real Madrid lost just one of their 38 La Liga appearances last season.
Chelsea have recorded just a single victory from any of their four pre-season appearances so far this summer.
Likewise, continuing on from last season, the Blues have recorded just a single clean sheet from any of their previous seven matchups.
Conclusion
While Real Madrid might have suffered back-to-back friendly defeats over the past week, Los Blancos will be smelling the chance to make a statement here. Meeting a Chelsea squad that have struggled to find any real stability over in the United States so far this summer, the Blues have also shown some extended defensive issues. With Madrid landing a 4-0 aggregate victory when they met Wednesday’s opponents in Champions League action last year, we are backing a Los Blancos draw no bet in midweek.
Verdict: Real Madrid draw no betÂ
Best Odds: 2/3
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
