Frank Lampard insisted “the door is open” for Chelsea to reach the Champions League semifinals, but added they will need a “special night” at Stamford Bridge to find a way past Real Madrid.
Madrid took control of their quarterfinal tie on Wednesday as goals from Karim Benzema and substitute Marco Asensio gave Carlo Ancelotti’s side a 2-0 win over the Blues, who played the final half-hour with 10 men following Ben Chilwell‘s red card for hauling down Rodrygo.
– Olley: Chelsea’s season on brink of collapse after Madrid loss
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.)
Chelsea were fortunate not be on the end of a heavier defeat and Lampard believes the opportunity still exists to reach the last four in Tuesday’s second leg in west London.
“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.”
