Frank Lampard will use three at the back
Having witness a return to a back four for Chelsea against Wolves in Frank Lampard's first game back, there was a degree of concern that the Blues boss would stick with the same system against Real Madrid. It was a set up preferred by the caretaker boss in his first stint in charge of the club and having made the adjustment for Molineux, it appeared it may be his preference.
Fortunately, Lampard showed some flexibility after the weekend's dire outing and while it didn't pay off, the 44-year-old appeared to believethe formation had room for improvement moving forwards, even if Chelsea were unable to utilise the width of the system enough against their hosts on Wednesday night.
He indicated there was a consideration of using the system to ensure double coverage on Vinicius Junior that proved problematic due to Wesley Fofana's yellow card, but it would not be surprising if that was among Lampard's thinking once again for the return leg, even with the Frenchman's struggles.
READ MORE: Every word Frank Lampard said on Chelsea's defeat, Joao Felix and set-piece issue
Whether the managed return of Thiago Silva helped facilitate the move remains uncertain as he took the central role between Fofana and Kalidou Koulibay, returning to show his authority in the position and his fury when forced to acrobatically clear from the line as Vinicius burst past Fofana and Reece James from within the box.
Silva was substituted in the second period in a move that saw the Blues return to a back four, albeit following Ben Chilwell's red card. Whether Lampard hoped to push in the latter stages or only sees the backline working with Silva in it remains uncertain, but it's clear his fitness will have to be managed to ensure he can play a vital role at Stamford Bridge.
Next week's task will be even more difficult
Taking on Real Madrid in Europe is never an easy task. Having to overcome a 2-0 scoreline to progress is almost unthinkable for many. Chelsea's task will prove greater with Chilwell unavailable following his sending off for hauling down Rodrygo by the arm in a frustrating decision.
Lampard had hoped to see a greater attacking outlet from Chelsea's wingbacks against Real Madrid, with Chilwell and James tasked with being the outlet to relieve pressure. That is an area over the last month that Chilwell has defined himself in, even if the delivery has not always arrived.
While Marc Cucurella ensures a ready-made replacement at wingback, presuming Lampard sees another viable option for the left side of defence if Koulibaly's injury is too severe, but over the course of the season it has become obvious he does not provide close to the attacking impetus of Chilwell. With goals on the agenda, it will be a huge miss for the Blues and blow to their chance of progressing to the semi-final of the competition.
Chelsea can have some success
While doom and gloom is easy, Chelsea did prove that they can expose Carlo Ancelotti's side to agree. The Italian coach admitted that has side were made to suffer in the early parts of the game.
Lampard's gameplan appeared to work in the early stages as N'Golo Kante's pressing and forward movement caused the La Liga giants untold issues, creating two big chances early. Felix had an early opportunity where a lack of pace hurt him and almost ended the opportunity before his shot was saved by Thibaut Courtois, while Raheem Sterling was also denied by the Belgian immediately following Benzema's opening goal.
Chelsea did find success, even if it was mostly closed off following the first 15 minutes. If they can find the bravery and confidence Lampard demands, perhaps the set up can be more fruitful.
Ahead of the game, the former Everton boss noted: 2The balance of the team for me, it feels, is that we have to match the Real Madrid midfield, who have got three world class players in there, so I felt that we need to be strong in that area of the pitch. We’re going with two up front, we’re going with Raheem and Joao. They both have counter-attacking abilities - great speed, can handle the ball, can get us up the pitch. It wasn’t an easy choice for me and it’s absolutely a game where the output is going to be big - on and off the ball - so there will be changes in-game and people like Kai, Mudryk, all the midfield players waiting on the bench, wing-backs, people in those areas that are really energetic are gonna have to come in and help the team.
Lampard saw some positivity in the opportunity Real Madrid offered, though conceded the difficult night his forwards had. He will hope to exploit Madrid's backline again when he can rely on more options. Following the red card, the Blues boss did not introduce Mykhailo Mudryk and could only put Havertz on the pitch, at a moment when Chelsea did not have a player to spare to race beyond the home side's backline.
Chelsea are still in the tie
Sort of. Nobody would put money on the Blues to progress but Real themselves proved in last year's competition, how quickly a tie can change. Even in their clashes against Chelsea, the west London side were the better team for most of the two legs before goals from Rodrygo and Karim Benzema ensured Ancelotti's team progressed.
Lampard has said he will lead his team in belief, and a year ago Chelsea proved they could score three goals against their opponents. Though, admittedly that looks altogether more unlikely this term with Chelsea having now went four games without troubling the scoreline.
Regardless, Ancelotti and his players appear convinced that they will be tested once again with the La Liga boss focusing on the refrain that his side will suffer. Thibaut Courtois and Toni Kroos were left disappointed that their advantage was not larger.
Courtois reflected: “Every time you play a big knockout match you’re left with the sensation that you could have, should have, killed the tie off. “This is a good result but we’re bugged by the fact that we didn’t score a third or even a fourth goal. I hope we don’t regret not having added another when we play again next week.”
Kroos added: "Maybe we could have pushed a bit more. Of course there is always the danger to run into a counter attack, so you always have to take care of this.At the end it is a good result.
"It was a good game but maybe one of two more goals were possible. Chelsea had one of two chances in the first half, so we take the result and hope to get it done next week."
With such determined leaders, it only reinforces the task the Blues will face.
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