The first semifinal matchup of the 2021 Champions League features two teams that haven’t faced each other in 22 years.
Chelsea, seeking to make its first appearance in the Champions League final since 2012, will have to go through Real Madrid, which last enjoyed that stage in 2018. It will be the teams’ first meeting since the 1998 Super Cup.
The Blues earned their trip to the Champions League semis with a 2-1 aggregate victory over Porto in the semifinals, earning a 2-0 victory in the first leg and holding the Dragons off in the second with a 1-0 loss. Real Madrid’s berth was less troublesome, as it beat Liverpool 3-1 in the first leg of the quarters before advancing with a 0-0 tie in the second.
Olivier Giroud has been Chelsea’s top goalscorer in the Champions League, scoring six goals — tied for second among goalscorers on still-active teams — in 256 minutes played, the fewest by a wide margin of any of the league’s top scorers. Madrid, meanwhile, will likely look to Karim Benzema (five goals, 662 minutes) as its top goal-scoring threat. He has 27 goals on the year, including 21 on the season.
MORE: Watch Chelsea vs. Real Madrid with fuboTV (7-day free trial)
Curiously, Chelsea and Real Madrid have a limited history as opponents: The Blues are undefeated all-time against Madrid, tying the first match 1-1 in the 1971 European Cup WInners Cup before winning 2-1 two days later. The teams didn’t meet again for 27 years, with Chelsea winning in the Super Cup. The Blues will look to capitalize on that historical success on a stage where they have relatively struggled, going 2-7 at this stage. Conversely, Madrid is 16-13 and has won its last three semifinal matchups.
Here’s everything you need to know about the first-leg semifinal meeting between Chelsea and Real Madrid in Alfredo Di Stéfano Stadium — including how to watch, streaming options and more:
What channel is Chelsea vs. Real Madrid on today?
The first leg of Chelsea-Real Madrid will be broadcast on the CBS Sports Network. Streaming options include Paramount+, at a cost of $9.99 per month (or $5.99 with limited commercials). The streaming service offers a week-long trial. Viewers can also use fuboTV, which also offers a seven-day free trial and will carry the game in Spanish on TUDN.
How to watch Champions League games in USA
CBS has carried the entirety of the Champions League in the USA, and that won’t change with only two rounds remaining; in fact, starting with the semifinals, viewers can watch the Champions League live on TV: CBS Sports Network for the semifinals and CBS for the final. Paramount+ and fuboTV will still be viable streaming options.
Champions League semifinal schedule
First leg
Tuesday, April 27
- Real Madrid vs. Chelsea
Wednesday, April 28
- PSG vs. Manchester City
Second leg
Tuesday, May 4
- Manchester City vs. PSG
Wednesday, May 5
- Chelsea vs. Real Madrid