Frank Lampard, the interim manager of Chelsea, is aware that the club's season depends on its performance in the Champions League after a terrible domestic campaign.
The Blues know full well that a loss here would all but shatter any remaining optimism at Stamford Bridge, so they travel to Spain with a real do-or-die mindset to face Real Madrid in the first leg of their quarterfinal encounter on Wednesday.
Here is a possible setup for Lampard under pressure.
Team predictions for Chelsea versus Real Madrid (4-3-3)
Kepa Arrizabalaga is the GK. Kepa has yet to play Real in Chelsea colors, and he lost all three of his matches against Los Blancos when playing for Athletic Club.
LB: Ben Chilwell—A victory here would be a great way for Chilwell to celebrate his impending contract extension with Chelsea.
Enzo Fernandez is a DM. Because of concern that teams like Real Madrid would be more alluring possibilities in the summer, Chelsea hurriedly completed their deal to sign Fernandez. In retrospect, a wise decision.
Mateo Kovacic, CM It can be difficult to predict which side of Kovacic you will encounter. If Chelsea wants to win today, they will need his diligence and composure.
N'Golo Kante, who terrorized Real during the 2020–21 season, has been kept for this particular match.
Raheem Sterling—Lampard praised Sterling in the lead-up to this match and will draw on the Englishman's expertise playing in big games here.
ST: Kai Havertz – Lampard has little choice but to stick with Havertz because Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang isn't on the team.
Joao Felix, a loan player from Madrid's other side, ought to be just as worked up as anyone. He hasn't scored a goal in any of his six games versus Real, though.
