Real Madrid, according to Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel, have a physical advantage over his team.

In 2022, the Blues have already played 22 games, while their LaLiga rivals have played 20.

In addition, LaLiga permits five substitutes per game, but the Premier League only authorized the rule for next season and only allows three substitutions now.

"First and foremost, we wanted it to be more physical, but we didn't have to work as hard or as intensely in the first match."

Second of all, we face a huge disadvantage in terms of physicality because Real Madrid has a whole year with five changes and we play the most demanding league. We play the most matches throughout the season and throughout 2022, so it is not always easy to play a physical game.

“We are a team that needs the physicality, the sharpness, the commitment, and the investment to be a special team,” Tuchel said.

Chelsea travel to the Bernabeu with a 3-1 deficit to overcome if they must make it to the Champions League semi-final.