Chelsea opened their Champions League campaign with a home defeat to Valencia.
The Blues returned to Champions League action after a season’s hiatus and under Frank Lampard, there were high tensions and expectations from the club. However, the Blues had a slow match out and could not convert their chances.
Valencia rightly took advantage of their opponents’ lack of edge and made them pay from a set piece routine. However, the Blues did come close to finding some salvation when Tomori’s header from a corner was blocked by Wuss’ hand.
After using VAR, referee Cukir pointed to the spot for Chelsea. Chelsea had experienced players like Willian and Jorginho on the pitch but it was Ross Barkley who stepped up. He however, went on to miss the penalty. And now after facing a lot of criticism from the media, Lampard has come to the player’s rescue.
“Ross is the penalty taker,” Lampard told said in his post-match press conference.
“He’s scored a couple in pre-season and he’s been the taker whenever he’s started or come on in games.
“I don’t know what the conversation was but Willian and Jorginho were the penalty takers from the start and Ross was once he came on.”
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