Arriving at the Santiago Bernabeu, it's impossible to ignore it's a work in progress. The storied stadia stands out amongst the chaos of Madrid's main roads for moments of quiet in its shadows that extend further due to a walled perimeter that signals the significant renovation the ground is undergoing, with the expectation it will be complete sometime in 2023.
While the Bernabeu started its transformation in 2019, Chelsea have attempted theirs in less than a year. Changes behind the scenes, £600million in transfers and enough managerial changes for N'Golo Kante to play four consecutive games under four different coaches should he feature against the La Liga side on Wednesday night.
Results have not come as quickly under the new Chelsea ownership of Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital and the west London side sit in the bottom half of the Premier League, far and away from where aspirations lay at the start of the season. However, despite any misgivings, the club are still in contention in the Champions League and found success in 2012 and 2021 having changed managers during the season. Success will be judged in June, but Chelsea's fate could well be sealed in the next week.
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Just over 24 hours ahead of the game, Frank Lampard was scheduled for his first Champions League press conference since being named caretaker manager. He re-opened his account with defeat to Wolves but an altogether different challenge awaits in the Spanish capital.
Strolling into the depths of the ground you immediately become aware of the profile of Real Madrid. The press conference facility is larger, more comfortable and more glamorous than any Premier League rival. They cater to their size and expect success to ensure they always retain their demand.
It should come as little surprise from a team that has claimed five of the last nine Champions League trophies and 14 in all. Los Blancos are steeped in history, but Lampard was asked to call upon his own when facing the media on Tuesday night.
The caretaker manager's arrival was much delayed with proceedings pushed back an hour and a UEFA official periodically returning to provide updates, and the gathered media perhaps, having their hopes tested. Conversations that were spread across the vastness of the room quickly turned to a hush of business when the 44-year-old made his way to the stage.
The dour demeanour following the defeat to Wolves had been washed away and Lampard was obviously overjoyed to be part of the occasion. These ties are what football is about.
Certainly, that has been Chelsea's approach to a degree. While there have been performances that have disappointed - such as Thomas Tuchel's final game in charge against Dinamo Zagreb, a tough to take first leg against Borussia Dortmund - but there have been outstanding wins over AC Milan and Dortmund too.
Lampard could not hide the smile when he spoke of the honour of managing such an occasion as against Real Madrid, and while many would not look to build the pressure, the Chelsea legend wants his players to play it and show they can perform under pressure.
He refused to draw parallels between this season and his own Champions League success in 2012, before Enzo Fernandez revealed 20 minutes later that the Chelsea boss had referenced the game in his conversations with players.
The World Cup winner, of course represents a significant portion of Chelsea's rebuild having cost a record fee in excess of £100million, but undertaking his press conference entirely in Spanish, pressure does not appear to be something Fernandez feels.
The 22-year-old was facing this large selection of media for the first time since joining the Blues, and was briefly caught out when the first question came in English and he did not have his ear piece in. He was untroubled and unrushed however and calmly received translate as the press conference once again got underway following a false start.
While questions came about his own experience and situations, it was clear that Spanish journalists were keen to discover the fear and worry that their side would put into the opposition. Across Lampard and Fernandez came questions referencing the history between the sides, Real's record in the competition, the stature of the stadium and the level of player Chelsea would face.
"Afraid, no. We are not afraid," came a serious reply from Fernandez, who is not afraid to flash a smile.
While press conference venues often become a place of work, following the departures of Chelsea's stars Real Madrid staff were quick to usher journalists from the building as they looked to close it off before tomorrow's game. Security were present to ensure nobody could stick around as construction work took priority.
Perhaps a sign that Wednesday's hosts remain steadfast on each of their goals, with little leeway for anybody to file before departing. The performance of the west London side at the Bernabeu could either reveal or expose the strength of the Blues' own construction.
Chelsea are still in the midst of forming their new project but there has been little doubt they have formed an identity over decades. Chaos and trophies. There has been plenty of the former this term, Wednesday night will be the first step to see if the club can keep dreaming of the latter.
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