Thomas Tuchel warns Chelsea to be wary of Real Madrid's big-game experience

Thomas Tuchel has warned that Chelsea have to be wary of Real Madrid’s ability to rouse themselves and produce special performances when it matters most.

Chelsea are the reigning Champions League winners after eliminating Real in the semi-finals last year but while the Spanish league leaders are the competition’s most successful club, lifting the European Cup a record 13 times, the German has paid most attention to their recent record.

Tuchel’s team are bidding to become just the second team to retain the Champions League in the last three decades after Real, who won it in 2016, 2017 and 2018.

While some pillars of that team, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos, are long gone, others remain, such as Karim Benzema, Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Casemiro. Tuchel believes that big-game experience matters more than their defeat to Chelsea in 2021.

“I think this has nothing to do with last season's game,” he said. “They won it three times [in a row] and this competition is unbelievably hard to win. They trusted a similar squad in a long period of time which is impressive.

“It is normal that cycles like this change at times in terms of a winning streak but we should be very aware that teams with this kind of experience, flair and quality can produce special performances and special occasions.”

Real Madrid’s former Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti may miss the game after testing positive for coronavirus and Tuchel said: “I'm pretty sure he can do the team talk and be in charge of players. But it's always nicer to be there and have direct influence. I personally hope he makes it.”

Chelsea had been in fine form until suffering a shock 4-1 defeat to their neighbours Brentford on Saturday but winger Christian Pulisic, who