Chelsea boss Frank Lampard hopeful his side can turn tie against Real Madrid

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By Martin Graham | 13th Apr 2023

Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has issued a rallying cry to his Chelsea players, claiming anything can happen after their 2-0 defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday.

The Blues traveled to the Santiago Bernabeu as ‘underdogs’ and knew that taking on holders Real Madrid would be no easy feat.

Having suffered a loss against Wolves in his first match for his second spell as Chelsea manager, Frank Lampard had called on his players to soak up the pressure and deliver a positive result against the Spanish giants.

But it turned out to be a different story after goals from Karim Benzema and Marco Asensio gave Los Blancos a much needed win, on a night where Chelsea were rather toothless.

Many believe it is a dead end for Chelsea to try and salcage anything out of the tie but Lampard believes the tie is not yet done and ‘special things’ can happen at Stamford Bridge.

Lampard still hopeful Chelsea can turn tie around

“It was a big challenge for us,” said Lampard post-match.

“The period with 11 men, we were in the game and we had some chances, but I think we could have utilised our strengths better, especially the system with the wing-backs, we could be more urgent.”

“I could see opportunities there tonight and we had good spirit, playing with 10 men in the last half-hour, we didn’t let them have a lot of chances. I liked that part of the game and we have to believe it is possible.”

“I don’t think they carved us open when we had 10 men, which is due to the spirit we showed and we had chances of our own. We had chances of our own. I can think of three really good opportunities – Joao early on, Raheem’s effort and then Mason’s shot at the end – if we put one of those away, then things look very different.”

“I think there were some good things from our display but the result is a reality. I’ve said to the players in the dressing room though, special things can happen at Stamford Bridge.”

“If you don’t believe in top level sport then things don’t happen for you. The mindset and the belief are a percentage of the game. The fans will believe, they will come and support us. I’ve been involved in games that have changed. The possibilities are ours for the taking.”

It was a further double blow for Chelsea, as Ben Chilwell was handed a red-card and Kalidou Koulibaly was also taken off due to injury.

The Blues’ calamitous season carries on and it is now highlighted perfectly in the fact that the West London side are without a goal in their last four games across all competitions, equaling a negative 30-year club-record in the process.