Frank Lampard believes Chelsea can produce a “special” performance and overcome a 2-0 deficit against Real Madrid to reach the Champions League semi-finals.
His players, on the other hand, will need to accomplish something they haven’t done in four games if they are to advance against the holders and that is to score a goal (Indeed two or more).
Chelsea lost for the second time in a row under interim manager Lampard after finishing with 10 men when Ben Chilwell was sent off for a tackle on Rodrygo in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday.
It means the Blues must score at least twice at Stamford Bridge in the return match on Tuesday.
Chelsea have now gone four games without scoring in all competitions for the first time since November/December 1993.
Since drawing 2-2 at home to Everton on 18 March, the Blues have lost 2-0 at home to Aston Villa, drawn 0-0 at Stamford Bridge with Liverpool, and lost 1-0 at Wolves before Wednesday’s setback by Real.
This season, they have failed to score in 17 games, the most since 1994-95 (also 17).
Chelsea boss comments on the 2nd Leg
Lampard, who took over as manager again last week until the end of the season, claimed after the game that his team lacks belief.
He remains hopeful, however, that his players can turn things around against Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge.
“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.”
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.”
The Blues will host the Spanish giants on Tuesday, 18th April, for the second leg at Stamford Bridge.
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