ANDREAS CHRISTENSEN still believes Chelsea can save themselves in the Champions League – because they cannot get any worse than their first-leg horror show against Real Madrid.
The Blues lost 3-1 at home to old boss Carlo Ancelotti’s Real on Wednesday night with Karim Benzema hitting a hat-trick.
While Chelsea struggled all night with Madrid’s counter-attack, Christensen in particular had a torrid time Credit: EPA
The France striker had a night to remember at Stamford Bridge Credit: Mark Pain / Premium Sports Image Thomas Tuchel was left raging with the performance and declared the tie as over already because of how poorly his side are playing right now.
But with the away-goals rule no longer in play, it is not beyond the realms of possibility that the reigning champions turn it around in the Bernabeu – if they play out of their skins.
Defender Christensen, 25, said: “It’s two goals, it’s still going to be very difficult, but it can’t be worse than this.
“We weren’t on top and we know that, but we have nothing to lose so we have to go there, put in a big performance and hopefully turn it around.”
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Roman Abramovich ‘begs Rush Hour director for money’ EXCLUSIVE Christensen had a night to forget as he was hooked at half-time after Benzema had netted twice with two fantastic headers.
Kai Havertz had reduced the deficit just before the break but within 45 seconds of the second period, Benzema had his treble as he capitalised on a shocking pass from keeper Edouard Mendy.
Chelsea built their phenomenal success under Tuchel last season on their defensive solidity, which took them all the way in Europe’s most prestigious club competition.
But it has been a different story since the recent international break with the team conceding SEVEN at home in two matches, with Saturday’s 4-1 humiliation to Brentford preceding this collapse to Real.
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Tuchel was left scratching his head as to why the sudden drop-off has occurred but refused to use the uncertainty regarding the club’s ownership as an excuse.
He did point to the sheer amount of games the Club World Cup champions have played in 2022 as “worrying”, with Wednesday’s defeat their 21st fixture since the turn of the year.
Perhaps the fact that two of the back three – Christensen and Antonio Rudiger – are currently out of contract in the summer is playing a factor.
Or simply the loss of key left wing-back Ben Chilwell is hitting harder than previously.
Whatever it is, Christensen knows the team need a quick fix if they are to get their season back on track.
The Dane, who has been tipped for a summer switch to Barcelona, added: “We weren’t at our top level.
“We started good for ten or 15 minutes, good energy with the crowd behind us – and they stayed behind us the whole game – but they successfully took the tempo out of the game.
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Sabina’s parents blast killer as ‘ANIMAL’ as he cowers in cell afraid to face them “We have conceded seven goals now in two games which is not normal for us.
“It’s not just about this game, we did it as well at the weekend. We have to fix it, and we have to do it quick.”
The German cut a frustrated figure on the side for much of the evening Credit: Getty Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
