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Glenn Hoddle makes Chelsea-Real Madrid Champions League prediction

Chelsea, Real Madrid
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Ahead of the second leg between Chelsea and Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals, Hoddle gave his winning tip.

Glenn Hoddle reckons Chelsea will finish the job in their second leg showdown with Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals.

The Englishman, who worked as a player/manager for Chelsea between 1993 and 1996, expects Real Madrid to be ‘stronger’ than last week but thinks his old side will ultimately come out on top.

The two clubs meet at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday level at 1-1 on aggregate following last week’s first-leg draw, which saw Christian Pulisic grab a vital away goal in Spain.

“Yes, I do,” said Hoddle when asked if Chelsea will beat Real Madrid on ‘The Glenn Hoddle Footy Show’ podcast.

“I said before the first leg that I thought over two legs they would get through.

“They are not playing the greatest Real Madrid side ever — with injuries in their squad as well.”

Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos and full-back Ferland Mendy could both be available for the second leg.

While both players are reportedly not at 100% full fitness, they have returned to group training and experienced no problems.

Raphael Varane, however, has joined Lucas Vazquez and Dani Carvajal on the sidelines. Federico Valverde, meanwhile, awaits a negative COVID-19 test, and Marcelo must monitor a station for a local election in Madrid for Monday.

Hoddle added: “I think Real will have a stronger side at the Bridge on Wednesday than they had in the first leg, and I think Chelsea are going to have to play well.

“But I thought there were major parts of that first leg where Chelsea were in control and should have got the second goal.

“Sergio Ramos will strengthen Real if he comes back in, but I think Chelsea should be buoyant. They should be positive and I think they will win the game.

“They are playing with a lot of confidence and Thomas Tuchel has done a wonderful job.”

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