‘Nothing beats playing at home’ – Hayes excited for Chelsea’s meeting with Real Madrid | OneFootball

Chelsea manager Emma Hayes says that she is excited by the prospect of taking on Real Madrid at Kingsmeadow on Wednesday evening.

The two sides meet on Matchday 3 in the UEFA Women’s Champions League’s group stage. Chelsea go into the clash top of the group while Real Madrid are in second spot.

When speaking in the pre-match press conference, Hayes discussed the Spanish club’s main threats whilst commenting that it is great to be playing the game on home soil.

“They’re a team that we haven’t played before and they are slightly different in their style compared to Barcelona and Atlético Madrid,” Hayes said. “They are a team that will come and look to be comfortable on the counter.

“They’ve got threats out wide….Caroline Weir whether she plays a nine or an inside seven or 11 and in Castillo they have a great one v one player.

“For us, our focus and attention is on ourselves. We have become accustomed to being the favourites in every situation and I think the team feel very driven by improving our details. We want to build on Sunday, we’ve got a bit of momentum and we are playing at home, nothing beats playing at home.”

After selling out of general admission tickets for Sunday’s fixture against Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge, Hayes revealed that the club’s spiritual home was also considered for the Real Madrid game but Chelsea opted against taking up the opportunity.

“We had conversations with the club about it,” said The Blues boss. “Selling out Sunday and then trying to do the same Wednesday, I don’t want 5,000 turning up. It is smart for us to pick the right games.

“Picking PSG during a Christmas week when kids are not at school, when people might not be at work is the right opportunity to do it. Playing in big stadiums, you have to prepare properly to pick the right opponent in the right timing.

“For the big games, the top clubs will look at the opportunities to play in big stadiums more and more.”

Chelsea’s UEFA Women’s Champions League fixture against Real Madrid kicks-off at 8pm on Wednesday evening. Tickets remain available and can be purchased by clicking here.