Frank Lampard confident ‘special things’ can still happen for Chelsea against Real Madrid
BY EDMUND BRACK
edmund@slpmedia.co.uk
Chelsea interim manager Frank Lampard insists “special things” can happen at Stamford Bridge after they lost their Champions League quarter-final first leg 2-0 at Real Madrid on Wednesday evening.
Karim Benzema gave Carlo Ancelotti’s side the lead in the 21st minute when Dani Carvajal’s chip into the penalty area was met by Vinicius Junior. The Brazilian winger touched the ball down for Kepa to palm the ball into the path of the onrushing Benzema for a simple finish into the unguarded net.
Left-back Ben Chilwell was shown a red card for pulling Rodrygo down outside the penalty area.
Los Blancos extended their lead with 11 minutes remaining when a corner routine landed at the feet of Marco Asensio on the edge of the box, he swept an effort past Kepa Arrizabalaga.
“I’m proud of the 10 men,” Lampard told BT Sport.
“The disappointing thing – with the second goal – is that we gave away a set-piece from switching off.
“I don’t think they carved us open with 10 men – that was due to the spirit. We had three pretty good chances in the game.
“I just said to the players: ‘Special things can happen at Stamford Bridge. They’re a good team, but we have to believe’.
“The big deal is losing a player like Chilwell. He’s a big player for us and would have been in the second leg as well. It’s a big disappointment.
“As good a team as they are – offensively they have so many threats – when we had the ball there is a little bit of a lack of belief. They have to understand how good they are and what they can do.
“Maybe we’re a bit short on that at the minute. It’s not easy to come here like that. There were some opportunities in possession to use the size of the pitch more and to be a bit more aggressive on the side of the pitch.”
The return leg is on Tuesday.
“Next week is going to be a big fight,” said Lampard. “We have to be more positive. If we do that, with the quality of team we can be, I have been involved in those nights at Stamford Bridge.”
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