In a repeat of last season's quarterfinal encounter between the two sides, Karim Benzema proved to be the difference as he knocked Chelsea out in extra time during a pulsating 210 minutes of hard-fought Champions League action.

Almost a year later, Benzema is still consistent in his ability to change the whole complexion of the game, this follows another incredible performance he displayed during Madrid's triumph over Liverpool in the last 16.

With history and current form between the two sides favouring Madrid to clinch the tie convincingly and progress to the semifinals of the competition, Chelsea will be delighted to welcome back N'Golo Kante, Mason Mount and Thiago Silva for the encounter.

Speaking ahead of the clash with Real Madrid, Lampard confirmed that the trio is back, fit and raring to go for what surely promises to be a feisty date.

"I think N’Golo’s is a special player, I know the difficulties N’Golo’s had recently with injuries but in terms of coming back at a really high level, I witnessed him do that.

"He did in the Super Cup against Liverpool a few years ago, He passed a fitness test, hadn’t played for a long time and he was the best player on the pitch for 120 minutes, he has the capacity to do that because he’s a special player and when we miss him as a club we miss him because of how good he is," Lampard said.

Silva and Kante are two of the best in the world on their day and on the other hand, Mount might not be having a good season but he has been a very important player for Chelsea over the years and has played some of his best football under the management of Lampard.

The inclusion of Silva also adds a bit of depth and maturity at the back for the Blues who desperately need to be on toes against a very dangerous attacking force of Real Madrid.

Enroute to the encounter on Wednesday night, Chelsea have only lost one of their last nine UEFA Champions League knockout stage matches away to Spanish opposition, winning three and drawing five while they are unbeaten in three such trips, winning two and losing one.

Chelsea are also currently unbeaten in six UEFA Champions League matches against the reigning champions since losing against FC Porto in 2004/05 that being the longest-ever unbeaten run in the competition against the current holders.

Meanwhile searching for a 14th Champions League title, Real Madrid will go into the clash without the services of left-back Ferland Mendy, who hasn't featured since the middle of last month due to a calf injury, while there are doubts over David Alaba's availability because of a muscle issue.

Despite the absence of Mendy and Alaba, Madrid will rely on the likes of Nacho, Eder Militao, Eduardo Camavinga and Dani Carvajal at the back to stop the resurgent opposition team.

With the La Liga title gradually getting out of their reach, Los Blancos will be aiming at the Champions League as a consolation trophy to win this season.

Meanwhile, at the San Siro on Wednesday night, AC Milan will host Serie A log leaders Napoli in the first leg of the all Italian affair quarterfinal clash of the UEFA Champions League, kick-off in both matches is 21:00 South African time.