“Brainless footballing IQ”, “Absolute calamity of a footballer” – Chelsea fans blame 24-year-old for Ben Chilwell’s red card vs Real Madrid

Fans have blamed Marc Cucurella for Ben Chilwell's red card in Chelsea's 2-0 UEFA Champions League quarterfinal first-leg loss against Real Madrid on Wednesday (April 12).

Real Madrid opened the scoring in the 21st minute after a lofted ball from Daniel Carvajal found Vinicius Junior, whose shot was saved but found Karim Benzema. The Frenchman made no mistake on the rebound, scoring his fourth Champions League goal in seven games this season.

Chelsea's task of getting a result at the Santiago Bernabeu was further complicated by Chilwell's red card. Federico Valverde's lofted ball over the top saw Rodrygo Goes run in behind the Blues rearguard in the 59th minute.

Cucurella lost the Brazil international's run, which left Chilwell with no choice but to bring down the Real Madrid winger. The foul took place outside the box but was adjudged to have denied Los Blancos a clear goal-scoring opportunity.

The former Leicester City left-back was shown a straight red card, reducing the Blues to 10 men. Marco Asensio scored a record ninth goal as a substitute in the Champions League to put his team 2-0 up with 16 minutes left.

Chelsea fans have seemingly held Cucurella responsible for Chilwell's red card, as they reckon his defending, or lack thereof, forced the Englishman to commit a clumsy pull-back on Rodrygo.

Cucurella came on the pitch just four minutes before Chilwell's red card to replace the injured Kalidou Koulibaly in central defense. Apart from his error for Real Madrid's second goal, the Spaniard wasn't too shabby in other departments.

Cucurella completed 95% of his 20 attempted passes, won three of his four ground duels, and made two recoveries and one clearance. Here are some of the best reactions from their supporters to the England international's sending-off, as found on Twitter:

The 24-year-old Spaniard could start at left-back in the return leg at Stamford Bridge next Tuesday (April 18) and hope to redeem himself, as Chilwell will be suspended.

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Frank Lampard hopeful Chelsea can beat Real Madrid in return leg

Chelsea's caretaker boss Frank Lampard hasn't let a 2-0 away loss against Real Madrid get his hopes down.

The Englishman still believes the Blues have what it takes to spring a surprise at Stamford Bridge against the 14-time Champions League winners. Speaking after the game, the caretaker manager told BT Sport (h/t BBC):

"Special things can happen at Stamford Bridge. We have to believe. There is a lot there for us, as good a team as they are. There's a bit of a lack of belief. The players don't know how good they are."

Stamford Bridge hasn't been a fortress for Chelsea recently, with the Blues winning just four of their last 11 home games across competitions.