Bridge Codex

Form usually goes right out the window when these two heavyweights clash. Atleti will play with plenty of intensity and desperation, but Barca’s high-pressing system and tactical maturity under pressure will give them the definitive edge tomorrow.

🔵🚨 John Terry on Cole Palmer: Cole has that arrogance good players need. He takes the game by the scruff of the neck and delivers when it matters most.

🚨🔵 Thierry Henry on the front line: Palmer, Rogers and Joao Pedro do not just score. They force the other team to choose who to stop. That choice is usually wrong. Very few attacks in Europe create that problem every week.

🚨🔵 Frank Lampard on Morgan Rogers: Rogers has the body to hold off a centre-back and the timing to arrive late. He has justified the money early. The next step is staying consistent when the games get tighter.

🔵🚨 Didier Drogba talking about Chelsea’s future: The fans have been patient. Now it’s time for the team to give them something to shout about again. Chelsea have the players. They just need stability and the right manager. Alonso gives them both. it's going to be exciting.

This fixture always brings plenty of drama, but Madrid's attacking depth and clinical edge on the road are too tough to ignore. Valencia will put up a fight initially, but Madrid should easily pull away with a comfortable victory.

🚨🔵 Cole Palmer on Morgan Rogers: Rogers attacks the space at the right time. When I look up, he is already making the run. That makes the pass easier.

🚨🔵 Marco Palestra on Xabi Alonso: He is clear and he is demanding. You know the standard in training. Now the team has to hold that standard for 90 minutes away at Sunderland.

🚨🔵 John Terry on the back line: They kept United out. The shape was better and the box was tighter. One clean sheet at home is useful. Doing it again away at Sunderland is the real test.

🚨🔵 Didier Drogba on the trio: This front three has different strengths. Palmer sees it early, Rogers arrives with power, Pedro holds and finishes. When all three are fit, Chelsea look like a team that can hurt anyone.