Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel: 'Second leg at Real Madrid is biggest challenge'

Head coach Thomas Tuchel has suggested that Chelsea have been provided with 'the biggest challenge' by facing Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals.

Chelsea, the defending European champions, were first out of the pot during Friday's last-eight draw, being presented with a clash against La Liga leaders Real Madrid.

With the second leg scheduled to be played at the Santiago Bernabeu, Tuchel feels that the Premier League could not have been provided with a tougher challenge at this stage of the competition.

Speaking to reporters at a press conference, Tuchel said: "Tough one. Challenge cannot be much higher than playing a second leg in the Bernabeu with spectators.

"It is a big challenge, but also big excitement. We know what is coming. It will be an exciting match and a tough challenge."

While Chelsea defeated Los Blancos at the last-four stage during 2020-21, the first leg was staged at Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano with renovation work being completed on the Bernabeu.