Zinedine Zidane has a lot to prove against Thomas Tuchel. The German is the only coach whom Zidane has faced at least three times and not beaten, with Tuchel going unbeaten in their four games against one another.
In those four games, three have ended all square while Tuchel has beaten the Real Madrid boss once.
They first faced off in the group stage of the 2016/17 Champions League, the year wherein Real Madrid went on to win the double. Los Blancos didn't drop points too often that season, but they did draw twice against Tuchel's Borussia Dortmund. The Bundesliga side, in fact, took top spot in the group with two more points than Real Madrid.
Unbeaten and Champions League leaders
In Germany, Real Madrid led twice but lost their lead in the 87th minute. Back in Spain something similar happened, as Los Blancos saw a 2-0 lead slip to be pulled back onto terms in the 88th minute.
Their latest meetings
The rivalry rekindled in 2019/20, again in the Champions League's group stage, though this time Tuchel was in charge at Paris Saint-Germain.
The Ligue 1 side managed to beat Real Madrid quite comfortably at the Parc des Princes, before the two coaches played out yet another draw at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.
In all, Zidane has faced as many as 35 coaches three or more times since taking the job at Real Madrid, and Tuchel is the only of those that he has failed to get the better of. As well, he's the only of those coaches that Zidane doesn't have the better head-to-head record with.
Now, the semi-final tie against Chelsea will allow Zidane to right those wrongs, but it won't be easy against Chelsea.
A dangerous Champions League
This European campaign is full of danger for Zidane, who hasn't beaten any of the three remaining coaches, with Pep Guardiola's Manchester City and Mauricio Pochettino's PSG still standing.
9jaboy
594
We the madrid fans respect everyone opponent and Chelsea is no exception. I only support two teams in pl and that's Chelsea and Man united. So i expect everyone to calm down and let's enjoy the game. If Chelsea win fine, we'll appreciate them and congratulate them and i expect them to do same when Madrid win. Good luck to both teams
Baybceopru
399
Omural
224
Good luck to our friends Real Madrid, we are never enemies it's just that on the pitch there is no friends even when you are even playing against a relative or a friend. Best of luck in your champions league and make spain great again we love you guys
RealMadrid92
210
So when pep was bayern coach, Zidane did not thrash him?
ManUtdAmadDialo
191
If iam to be honest, i would say Thomas Tuchel is the best coach in the premier league after Pep Guardiola. I know some people wil say the dude has not a Champions League N all that, but let me remind u that this guy has what it takes to win major trophies N it's the reason why last season he reached Champions League final with PSG where he lost by jst a small margin to Bayern(1-0) N then here he is again this season, he's about to make it two finals in a row If TT became incharge of Chelsea earlier, Chelsea would be fighting for a title right now!
jesalam14
176
as a Madrid fan.... I respect every opponent like Chelsea Liverpool Porto eibar or any team from everywhere. football world has changed a little details may surprise u now. anyone can beat anyone so let's enjoy this game nd stop underrating any team pls
SINGAM23
127
Zidane, "Every game is a final"
gallasyommy
108
Tuchel is a fantastic coach, the way he handles Chelsea proofs he's a top notch. Chelsea would have been struggling with qualifying for Europa had it been Lampard was still in charge