The Blues had to tackle the Spanish giants with fewer men for more than 30 minutes.
Chelsea defender Ben Chilwell has apologised following his red card during the Champions League match against Real Madrid on Wednesday.
With Chelsea trailing 1-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu, Chilwell was sent off in the 59th minute for bringing down Rodrygo, thus denying the forward a clear goalscoring opportunity.
Consequently, the England international has apologized to his teammates and the club’s fans.
"Slept on it, and just want to apologise to my teammates and the fans," Chilwell wrote on Twitter.
"I made the decision in a split second last night [Wednesday], and it was a mistake. I always give everything to the team, and I will continue to do so. Thank you for the support."
09:18 - 13.04.2023
UCL ‘Special things can happen at Stamford Bridge’ – Lampard after defeat to Real Madrid
The Blues manager sounded optimistic despite Wednesday’s loss away from home.
Meanwhile, Jamie Carragher has criticised Marc Cucurella’s role in Chilwell’s sending-off.
"But look at the body position here of Rodrygo compared to Cucurella," the retired Liverpool defender argued.
"He is already on his way, Cucurella still hasn’t changed his body position to run back, and on the far side, Ben Chilwell, when one of your centre-backs steps out, the wing-back has to come in and fill that space.
Carragher added; "You can’t do everything you’d like to do as a defender [against rapid players]. You’d like to be tight and aggressive, but you’ve also got to remember who you’re playing against.
09:58 - 13.04.2023
UCL Ancelotti explains how 10-man Chelsea gave Real Madrid a problem
Chelsea were reduced to 10 men after Ben Chilwell was sent off.
"Rodrygo is lightning-quick, so you can’t go fully in. Cucurella doesn’t go fully in, he gives himself a couple of yards – which is okay – but his problem is he doesn’t react!"
The Blues face a daunting task to overturn the first-leg result at Stamford Bridge when they host Los Blancos for the return leg showdown.