Can Chelsea maintain unbeaten run against Real?

Following the proposed European Super League fiasco, the Champions League returns tonight as Chelsea take on Real Madrid.

This will be the first-leg of their semi-final clash at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano.

The Blues are three games away from replicating their 2008 success, but they face a stern test of progressing at the expense of the competition's most decorated team.

Chelsea coasted through to the semi-finals after claiming a 2-1 aggregate win over Portuguese outfit Porto in the quarter-finals.

Since then, they have picked up one draw and two wins domestically. That run of results included a win over Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final and Saturday's 1-0 win over West Ham United.

After going trophy less last season, the Blues have set up a mouth-watering FA Cup final clash with Leicester. They could now grab a domestic and European cup double if they find success in the remaining cup matches of the season.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid might be floundering in La Liga, but they have simply been superb in the Champions League.

Real coach Zinedine Zidane said yesterday he was not thinking about any sanctions against the club from UEFA in the wake of the European Super League announcement last week.

The breakaway league involving 12 of Europe's major clubs collapsed within three days of its announcement amid a fierce backlash from fans, governing bodies and politicians.

Real president Florentino Perez was named as chairman of the project and appears to have been the driving force behind the league, which ended in embarrassment as most clubs withdrew.

There has been talk of the founding teams being punished by UEFA for their actions but Zidane shrugged off the notion that Real could be banned from European competition.

"It's absurd to think that we won't be in the Champions League next season," he told a news conference ahead of Tuesday's semi-final, first leg at home to Chelsea.

"A lot has been said, but all we can do is focus on tomorrow's game. We're not in control of the rest so there's always going to be talk, but for me of course you want to see Madrid in next season's Champions League.

"The president (Perez) knows what I feel (about the Super League) in my heart. We're just focused on tomorrow's game."

Local media have suggested referees might now treat Real differently but the Frenchman brushed aside those suggestions.

"The only thing that's important to us is what goes on on the pitch," he said.