Frank Lampard has told his Chelsea players "special things can happen at Stamford Bridge" after their difficult night at the Bernabeu.
Chelsea were beaten 2-0 by Real Madrid on Wednesday, with Karim Benzema and Marco Asensio scoring in the Spanish capital. The result leaves Lampard's side with a mountain to climb when they welcome the holders to Stamford Bridge in six days' time.
It is highly likely that Chelsea must win the Champions League to qualify for next year's tournament. The Blues are enduring a tough campaign, as they sit 11th in the Premier League, despite spending more than £500million on players since the start of last summer's transfer window.
Chelsea finished the game with 10 men after Ben Chilwell was sent off. Speaking to BT Sport at full-time, Lampard said, "I’m proud of the 10 men. The disappointing thing is that you give away a set piece from switching off... for the second goal.
"I don’t think with 10 men they carved us open - that was due to the spirit. I think at that time in the game, we had our chances. Three pretty good chances; Joao [Felix] early, Raheem [Sterling] and Mason [Mount] near the end. So, there's some good things.
"But the result is the reality. But I’ve just said to the players, 'Special things can happen at Stamford Bridge'. They [Real] are a very good team, but we have to believe."
What did you make of Chelsea's performance against Real Madrid? Let us know in the comments below!
Real Madrid opened the scoring in the 21st minute, when Benzema latched on a loose ball in the box to tap in his 90th goal in the Champions League. 20 of those strikes have come against English teams, with only Lionel Messi scoring more (27).
Chilwell was sent off in the 59th minute for denying Rodrygo a scoring opportunity, which allowed Carlo Ancelotti's side to capitalise. Spain international Asensio finished off a well-worked set piece with a controlled left-footed strike in the 74th minute.
This week's Champions League results means there is a good chance there will be a repeat of last year's semi-final between Real and Manchester City. Pep Guardiola's side defeated Bayern Munich 3-0 at the Etihad on Tuesday.
Reacting to the win, Ancelotti told BT Sport, "Don’t forget that Chelsea are a good team with good players. We won 2-0, we took advantage from this game, but it’s not done yet. We have to fight and sacrifice at Stamford Bridge.
"This is absolutely normal - it's the quarter-final of the Champions League. We are satisfied with the game. I think it was a good game and now we focus on the next one."
Ancelotti was also asked about Lampard, who he coached during his time in charge of Chelsea between 2010 and 2012. He said, "I have a good memory of him. A fantastic player, and I hope - for him - he will be a fantastic manager... but not necessarily on Tuesday!"
