Mueez Ajao
– Frank Lampard believes Chelsea can produce a “special” night and overturn a 2-0 deficit against Real Madrid in order to advance to the semi-finals of the Champions League.
– His players, however, will have to do something they have not done in four games if they are to progress against the holders – score a goal.
– Chelsea suffered a second successive defeat under interim boss Lampard after finishing with 10 men following Ben Chilwell’s straight red card for a foul on Rodrygo in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday.
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– It means the Blues must score at least twice at Stamford Bridge in next Tuesday’s return leg.
– “Special things can happen at Stamford Bridge,” said Lampard, who has now suffered 13 defeats in his last 16 matches as manager in all competitions across spells with Everton and Chelsea this season.
– “We have to believe.”
– Lampard, who returned to take charge last week until the end of the season, said after the game that his side is suffering from a lack of belief.
– However, he remains confident his players can turn it around at Stamford Bridge against Real Madrid.
– Pressed about his side’s lack of goals, Lampard added: “Sometimes it is confidence, whether that is an individual thing or team confidence.
– “If you keep working, something can change. Take Mason Mount’s chance at the end, it might go in and the tie feels completely different.
– “The door is open. It’s up to us to kick it open.
– “There’s a bit of a lack of belief. The players don’t know how good they are. There was some good in there. Next week will be a big fight.
– “There are some details and mindset stuff, we have to be more positive. If we do that… I’ve been involved in those nights at Stamford Bridge.”
