Host Real Madrid At Stamford Bridge, Tuchel Reluctant To Get Stuck In Nostalgia

Thomas Tuchel (Instagram.com/@Chelseafc)

JAKARTA - Chelsea will host Real Madrid in the first leg of the 2021/2022 Champions League quarter-finals on Thursday, April 7 at 02.00 WIB. Ahead of the match, the Blues coach Thomas Tuchel was reluctant to get stuck in nostalgia.

The meeting of Chelsea and Madrid this time seemed to repeat their encounter during the Champions League semifinals for the 2020-2021 season. At that time, Chelsea managed to get rid of Madrid 3-1 on aggregate and in the end came out as champions after beating Manchester City 1-0 in the final.

Although he has fond memories of meeting Real Madrid in the past, Tuchel doesn't want his squad to be lulled by nostalgia for the victory at that time.

"I don't think there's anything more to talk about last season's game. "To be honest, I didn't see the match in preparation for this duel," said Tuchel, quoted from the official Champions League website.

"We didn't watch last year's game. For us, there are no more points to prove (except the upcoming games)," continued the coach.

Although reluctant to be lulled by nostalgia for last season, Tuchel said he would maximize the potential that exists in Chelsea's body when he met El Real.

"Of course we have to be very careful with a team that has this kind of quality, plus experience. For us, this is also a special opportunity and that's why we are also very enthusiastic," said Tuchel.

"The Champions League will always be a very tough match. It's challenging and requires struggle, of course. But at the same time, this is what we like," he added.

In this first leg Chelsea will first host Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge. Next week, it will be El Real's turn to host the Blues at the Santiago Bernabeu.