Eden Hazard faces Chelsea with Real Madrid: What’s gone wrong in Spain?

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Eden Hazard went to Real Madrid as a superstar but as he prepares to face Chelsea in the Champions League, his career in Spain continues to stall; the Belgian is more Ronaldinho than Cristiano Ronaldo and that becomes a problem at the age of 30…

Eden Hazard faces old club Chelsea with Real Madrid
Image: Eden Hazard has struggled to rediscover his Chelsea form at Real Madrid since joining in the summer of 2019

Some say Eden Hazard’s goal against Liverpool in September 2018 was his best. It was all there in 12 seconds, featuring as it did, a nutmeg in the build-up, that swaggering insouciance as he strolled towards the flank before injecting speed into the attack, a drop of the shoulder and a thunderous finish into the far corner.

Others prefer the atypical left-footed rocket against Sparta Prague. The Liverpool goal had come in his final season at Chelsea with his exit all but inevitable. The goal against Sparta was the standout strike in his first. A spectacular introduction, all hope and optimism.

Most settle for those moments laced with schadenfreude. The late goal that bent into the top corner, ending Tottenham’s title hopes in 2016. The one against Arsenal after bumping Francis Coquelin to the ground. Just the mere sight of Pablo Zabaleta on his backside.

Sky Sports