The door is open – Frank Lampard believes Chelsea can still win Real Madrid tie

Chelsea interim manager Frank Lampard has called on his players to “change the story” and rescue their Champions League campaign when they face Real Madrid in the second leg of their quarter-final clash next week. Lampard’s men suffered a 2-0 defeat at the Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium on Tuesday; Karim Benzema opened the scoring for the Spanish champions in the first-half before Marco Asensio doubled the home side’s advantage in the second period. The Blues’ task was made much tougher when left-back Ben Chilwell was sent off shortly before the hour-mark for a second bookable offence. Despite the defeat, Lampard pointed out that Chelsea had caused Real problems prior to the sending off and that the tie is not over just yet.

Suspended Paris Saint-Germain striker Kilyan Mbappe has suggested the French champions should sign both Joshua Kimmich and David Alaba from Bayern Munich. Mbappe has been linked with a move to Bayern and Kimmich, while Alaba is set to depart the German giants at the end of the season. The PSG star named the pair on his Twitter account, saying “Kimmich and Alaba are not bad”, before laughing and adding “in addition to our PSG players?” It has been reported that the Ligue 1 outfit have made contact with Kimmich ahead of a possible summer transfer.

Barcelona are interested in signing both Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum and Manchester City defender Eric Garcia. Both players are set to become free agents at the end of the season and Barcelona have been touted as possible destinations for both. Wijnaldum, who enjoyed his best season under current Barca boss Ronald Koeman when he was in charge of the Dutch national side, had been expected to sign a new deal at Liverpool but talks have stalled. Garcia is expected to sign for Barcelona in the summer, after rejecting a new contract from Man City last year.

The UK government is to withdraw its support for the 2021 Rugby League World Cup, which is due to be hosted in England in October and November. The government said its decision comes after concerns were raised over the Covid-19 situation and the tournament’s impact on the local community. England Rugby League has criticised the decision and vowed to go ahead with the tournament regardless. The tournament, the first of its kind since 2017, was due to feature 16 teams from around the world. Australia are the reigning champions.



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