Frank Lampard believes the door is still open for Chelsea when they host Real Madrid in the second leg of the Champions League.
Chelsea caretaker manager Frank Lampard has stated that the Blues can overturn their defeat when they host the European Champion Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge in the second leg of the Champions League tournament.
The Blues was defeated 2-0 at Santiago Bernabeu last night as goals from Karim Benzema and Marcos Asensio gave the Spanish side the advantage.
Lampard, who took the job from Graham Potter has stated that the ball is in their court as they look ahead of the second tie clash.
“I think it’s a big challenge, of course, against a team with the quality of Real Madrid,” Lampard said. “But the door is open and it’s up to us whether we want to kick it open further next week or not.
“The result is the reality. I’ve just said to the players ‘special things can happen at Stamford Bridge.’ They are a very good team but we have to believe.”
The odds will be heavily stacked against a Chelsea side who have now gone four games without scoring a goal, and Lampard has one week to try and restore some confidence in attack.
Yet Chelsea created enough chances to suggest they can penetrate Madrid’s defence next week, with Joao Felix, Raheem Sterling and Mason Mount all having clear opportunities.
“There is a lot there for us, as good a team as they are,” Lampard said. “There’s a little bit of a lack of belief. I think the players have got to understand how good they are, what they can do. There were opportunities to use the size of the pitch more, to be a bit more aggressive — things we can maybe do next week.
“There was some good in there, with the spirit. The result is a fact, but next week will be a big fight.”
Real manager Carlo Ancelotti, who won the Premier League and FA Cup double as Chelsea boss in 2009-10, agreed that his side still have a lot of work to do.
“It’s not easy being on the bench for a match like this, but I’m very happy,” the Italian said. “We have to stay calm and understand that although we have an advantage, anything can happen in football and we have to manage our lead well.”
Follow us on all social media platform, @Sportscliffs on Twitter and Instagram and also like our facebook page
