Chelsea boss Tuchel plays down the pressure ahead of huge Real Madrid clash

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel tries to drive down the pressure ahead of semi-final clash vs Real Madrid

According to Daily Mail, Thomas Tuchel has tried to play down the Champions League semi-final between Chelsea and Real Madrid. The Blues are set to take on Real Madrid in the second leg of the tie tonight.

Chelsea and Real Madrid will aim to finish what they started last week. The second leg of the tie is on upon us as the Blues hold a slim advantage due to away goals. Christian Pulisic’s opener was cancelled out by Karim Benzema’s equally spectacular goal in the first leg.

Thomas Tuchel has gone about tempering expectations ever since arriving at the club, especially regarding the Champions League. During the initial days, he claimed that Chelsea are not prioritizing the Champions League. He did insist on winning games though, no matter who the opposition are.

Ahead of one of Chelsea’s biggest games of the season, Tuchel has again tried to keep things light-hearted. He allowed the players to stay at home instead of the team hotel on Tuesday night so that they get a bit relaxed.

“We thought that, because it is a late game on Wednesday, to let the players sleep at home. When we have evening games I sometimes feel it will increase the tension if you go to a hotel the night before. So let them go home, let them be a bit distracted and we will have a meeting, go for a walk at lunch and we will still have seven hours together.”

More Chelsea News :

• Transfer News: Chelsea target Robert Lewandowski wants to leave Bayern Munich
• News: Thomas Tuchel close to new contract at Chelsea
• Transfer News: Chelsea open to Timo Werner – Erling Haaland swap deal

Chelsea will be wary of Real Madrid’s pedigree in the Champions League and cannot take the game lightly by any means. However, the Blues have shown good solidity this season and a clean sheet in this game will be enough to send them through.