‘The tie is not done’ – Frank Lampard reacts as Chelsea suffer first leg defeat to Real Madrid

Frank Lampard has refused to throw in the towel despite watching Chelsea fall to a 2-0 defeat to Real Madrid in their Champions League quarter-final first-leg clash at the Santiago Bernabeu last night.

Chelsea fashioned some decent chances in the opening period, but Madrid took the lead in the 21st minute through in-form Karim Benzema.

The Blues were then reduced to ten men when Ben Chilwell was sent off for a professional foul on Rodrygo, making the comeback task more difficult.

Super-sub Marco Asensio sealed the game just three minutes after replacing Rodrygo in the second half, marking his contract renewal with a 74th-minute strike.

Madrid will take a two-goal lead to Stamford Bridge next week, looking to finalise their place in the semi-finals as they forge ahead on their path to retaining their European crown.

However, Lampard still believes his side can pull off the near-impossible and salvage the tie. “It was a big challenge for us,” Lampard told ChelseaTV after the game. 

“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 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.

“The important thing for everyone connected is to understand that the tie is not done.”

Despite Lampard’s seemingly unwavering sense of optimism, Chelsea’s form does little to suggest the struggling Blues can pull off a miracle on home turf.

The Englishman has lost his opening two games since his shock return to Chelsea – however temporarily – and it does not get any easier for the Blues.

They will welcome Roberto De Zerbi’s Europe-chasing Brighton & Hove Albion to the Bridge this weekend before their second date with Carlo Ancelotti’s side next week.