‘This club will be back’ – Frank Lampard reacts as Chelsea bow out of the Champions League

Chelsea’s interim manager Frank Lampard says he was impressed with his side’s display despite falling to another 2-0 Champions League quarter-final defeat to Real Madrid.

For all their endeavours, the Blues were comfortably beaten by the reigning European champions over the two-legged tie, losing 4-0 on aggregate.

As has been the case for most of the season, profligacy in front of goal was the order of the day for Chelsea, who failed to ripple the net despite creating several chances.

Chelsea dominated Madrid for most of the opening hour but were made to pay for their wastefulness in the final third when Rodrygo skipped past a reckless Trevoh Chalobah tackle before combining with compatriot Vinicius Junior to break the deadlock in the 58th minute.

If the tie was not well and truly beyond the reach of the struggling Blues at that point, the Brazilian ensured there was no way back for Lampard’s side – this time combining with Federico Valverde to score his second on the night.

Despite recording another disappointing result, Lampard insisted his side rose to the occasion, especially against ‘high level’ opposition.

“Really good leap – people will look at the result, but for 60 minutes against a high-level team, we played really well,” Lampard told ChelseaTV in his post-match interview.

“But we haven’t done the last bit, and if you can’t score, these games are tough – we know that. One goal could have changed the feel, maybe could have got two goals in those 60 minutes, and it’s game on.

“So I’m pleased with that, disappointed to go out, but we go out with respect and a lesson. These players will be back – this club will be back. 

“Today I saw a reaction from the players, so I’m disappointed for them because a goal would have changed everything.”

Another defeat to Madrid on home turf wrapped up Chelsea’s hopes of finishing a shocking campaign on a high note and with silverware.

All that remains is to try and finish in the top half of the table, with European qualification now a distant dream, especially having failed to win any of their last five league games.

Lampard has continued his perfect losing streak since returning to the club and will hope his players return to winning ways when they welcome Brentford this weekend.