Lampard hails team spirit but his blunt side were simply outclassed

TODD BOEHLY asked Chelsea fans to “have a lot of faith” before kick-off here, but their belief is being tested.

- Nizaar Kinsella

Real Madrid                   2 
Benzema 21, Asensio 74

Chelsea                           0

His bold decision last week to sack Graham Potter and hire Frank Lampard as caretaker manager resulted in another defeat that leaves Chelsea facing a Champions League exit.

After arrogantly predicting a 3-0 win, Chelsea’s American co-owner watched on as Real Madrid dominated and, arguably, deserved more than a two goal first leg lead.

Chelsea are not out of it, and there is no shame in losing to the 14-time winners led by European master Carlo Ancelotti. Even though they avoided a more emphatic defeat, the nature of the loss was poor. Joao Felix and Raheem Sterling had early chances but, after a bright start, Chelsea faded.

Heads dropped after Ben Chilwell was sent off in the second half and it felt like players lost faith as the match wore on.

Many, such as Wesley Fofana who had a torrid time, perhaps lost confidence in themselves, while others must be questioning the broader decisions that got them to this point.