Champions League Quarterfinal Draw: Chelsea vs Real Madrid; Manchester City Face Atletico Madrid
NDTV
Defending champions Chelsea will play Real Madrid in their UEFA Champions League quarterfinals, the draws for which were announced on Friday.
Troubled holders Chelsea were drawn against 13-time winners Real Madrid in the quarter-finals of the Champions League on Friday, while Manchester City will take on Atletico Madrid. Liverpool were drawn to play Benfica as all three remaining English clubs were kept apart and Bayern Munich were paired with Spanish side Villarreal.
Chelsea are hoping to defend their title in Europe despite turmoil at the Stamford Bridge club, who were put up for sale after the British government placed Russian owner Roman Abramovich under sanctions in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Thomas Tuchel's team are due to play Real at home in the first leg on April 5 or 6, before the return at the Santiago Bernabeu a week later.
It was reported this week that Chelsea may have to play their next Champions League home ties behind closed doors due to EU sanctions on Abramovich that prevent them from selling tickets.
Chelsea beat Madrid -- now coached by ex-Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti -- in the semi-finals last season on the way to defeating Pep Guardiola's City in the final in Porto and lifting the Champions League trophy for the second time under Abramovich's ownership.