Joe Cole: 'Chelsea can come up against Real'
"Things are not over for Chelsea," Cole confirmed after witnessing the old team's defeat at the Bernabeu on the evening of April 12. "It was a difficult evening. The victory went to Real, but they are the defending champions and an excellent team."
Cole believes that Chelsea's problem is having to play at the Bernabeu, which he considers the most difficult in Europe. He was also pleased that Chelsea had some positive moments and good opportunities in the first half, while showing bravery, heart and fighting in the face of difficulty.
Chelsea came in strongly, and had their first chance in the second minute from Joao Felix's drop. But in the 21st minute, they let Karim Benzema cushion the ball close to the goal, opening the score for Real. From the 59th minute, Chelsea had to play without men because Ben Chilwell was sent off after an illegal tackle on Rodrygo. Despite trying to hold out, the visitors received another goal from Marco Asensio's shot outside the penalty area in the 74th minute.
According to former player Rio Ferdinand, Real may have to regret not scoring the third goal. Chelsea still have a chance to win back at least a two-goal difference when playing the second leg at Stamford Brdige on April 18. "'Frank Lampard now needs to get the team together and say: 'It's not over.' Score a goal at Stamford Bridge and the atmosphere will be euphoric in these kind of games. there's a chance for you," Ferdinand said.
Former Chelsea player and manager Glenn Hoddle also believes in the possibility of a comeback. However, he wants Chelsea to win Brighton on April 15 in the English Premier League to build momentum. Lampard lost both games after being appointed caretaker manager, replacing the sacked Graham Potter. "They have to win Brighton at the weekend," insisted Hoddle. "Lampard needs to win to create momentum for the Real rematch. If they continue to lose, their energy will decrease."
Chelsea are ranked 11th in the Premier League with 39 points after 30 games, seven points behind Brighton and two more games played. The hope of winning tickets to the Champions League next season through the Premier League door is almost no longer with Chelsea.
In the quarter-finals of the Champions League 2020-2021, Chelsea drew 1-1 at the Bernabeu and won 2-0 in the second leg. Last season, the situation reversed when Real won 3-1 at Chelsea and lost 2-3 at the Bernabeu. In the 1/8 round of this season, Real also eliminated another English team, Liverpool. Coach Carlo Ancelotti's teachers and students won 5-2 at Anfield and 1-0 at the Bernabeu. If they overcome Chelsea, Real can meet another English team - Man City. In the quarter-final first leg, Man City beat Bayern 3-0.
