Steve McManaman and Joe Cole have given their verdict on how Chelsea can advance beyond Real Madrid in the Champions League. The Blues are clear underdogs heading into a major European clash with the reigning champions - who put six past Liverpool in the previous round - priorities extremely clear.
Despite the domination in Europe, Madrid sit second in La Liga with domestic rivals Barcelona holding a 13-point lead at the top. The stuttering league form of Carlo Ancelotti's side continued at the weekend as they were beaten 3-2 by Villareal at Santiago Bernabeu as wholesale changes were made with Chelsea in mind.
With the Champions League as one example, knockout football seems to be where Los Blancos shine as they also recently reached the Copa Del Rey final. After losing the first leg at home to Barcelona, Madrid showed up to the Nou Camp and dispatched of the Spanish league leaders with relative ease winning 4-0.
READ MORE: Enzo Fernandez reveals 'great' advice Frank Lampard has given Chelsea for Real Madrid clash
Chelsea's struggles this season are glaringly clear, whereas Madrid have been able to gloss over their difficulties with regular marquee wins. While many have outlined Madrid as the obvious favourites, two-time Champions League winner with the Spanish giants Steve McManaman has handed Frank Lampard some hope for Chelsea to win, while also telling the interim boss what his absolute priority has to be in the first leg.
"Madrid are a bit hit and miss at the moment," McManaman told BT Sport. "They’re dominating cup matches, but they’re way behind Barcelona in the league. (Chelsea) have to try and pinpoint a weakness in Madrid and exploit it.
"As long as Frank and the Chelsea team gets some sort of result to take back to Stamford Bridge – which will be rocking in the second leg if they’re close – that’s all that matters."
Joe Cole also delivered his verdict on the tie believing his former club have a chance of beating Madrid, despite numerous off-field issues this season. "It’s a tall order for Chelsea, but I don’t think the gap is as big as people think," Cole said. "Like Frank said in his interview, it’s a difficult season for Chelsea and they’re in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
"You have to put that into perspective with where the club has been for the last 20 years. There is a big change. We’ve had 30 players change, managers, owners, everything - it’s a big, big change."
READ NEXT:
Thiago Silva shock, N'Golo Kante return – Chelsea changes Frank Lampard may make vs Real Madrid
Latest Chelsea injury news as two miss Real Madrid amid Frank Lampard's Thiago Silva hope
Chelsea in stunning Christian Pulisic transfer swap claims for Arsenal target
Six Chelsea players face suspension if booked in Champions League fixture vs Real Madrid
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, views and rumours from Stamford Bridge
