Tuchel: Chelsea can only 'DREAM' of overturning a Real Madrid deficit.
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has conceded that reaching the Champions League semi-finals is a 'dream' for the Blues, who must overcome a first-leg deficit against Real Madrid.
Last week, Carlo Ancelotti's side ran wild at Stamford Bridge, with Karim Benzema scoring a hat-trick, leaving the Blues in need of a big display in the return leg if they are to advance.
After watching one of the 'worst first-halves' at Stamford Bridge during his career, Tuchel admitted after the game that the tie was 'not alive.'
'We don't need anything else but a wonderful script,' he continued. The task and challenge are extremely difficult, especially given who we play and where we play.
'We're permitted to dream; it's sometimes necessary to imagine and fantasize about things.' It will not change our focus; we will continue to support our team and work hard.
'It's sports so it's a game, and that's the beauty of it, that anything is always conceivable.'
Tuchel stated that Chelsea battled to compete physically in the 1st leg and that the Premier League's idea of limiting teams to three substitutes each match, as opposed to five in LaLiga, harmed his squad.
On the eve of the Bernabeu rematch, the German has reiterated his assessment, admitting that the task at hand is 'very difficult' and that Chelsea would need a 'fantastic screenplay' to advance to the Champions League semi-finals.
'It's doubtful, but it's worth a shot, and trying means giving it everything we've got and pushing ourselves to the edge.' He explained, 'This is what it is, it's a big night.'
'At the Bernabeu, efficiency as an away team is one of the most tough tasks, especially if you need a win.' It's still worth a chance because this is a platform where you have the opportunity to shine. We have to outperform the competition.'
'We are at a significant disadvantage in terms of physically since Real Madrid play the entire season with 5 substitutes and we play in the most tough league,' he continued.
'We battled with counter-pressing and maintaining intensity during runs.' We'll have to figure out how to play a more physical game.'
Tuchel also stated that Callum Hudson-Odoi, Ben Chilwell, and Romelu Lukaku will miss the game, while defender Cesar Azpilicueta will play after testing negative for COVID-19.
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