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Chelsea fans have firmly placed the blame on Trevoh Chalobah for their disappointing exit from the UEFA Champions League against Real Madrid.
The Blues were beaten 2-0 by Los Blancos on Tuesday (April 18), losing 4-0 on aggregate. Frank Lampard's side showed signs of life but were punished by a ruthless Rodrygo display.
The Brazilian attacker's opener arrived in the 58th minute, and it was a moment Chalobah won't want to watch again. Rodrygo glided forward and towards the English defender, who gambled by attempting a slide tackle on the winger.
However, his efforts were in vain, as he was left on the ground to watch on as Rodrygo eased his way into Chelsea's box. The Brazilian played a one-two with compatriot Vinicius Junior before slotting past Blues goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
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Rodrygo then sealed a brace and Real Madrid's place in the Champions League semifinals in the 80th minute. It was a brilliant performance from the forward but he was aided by poor defending.
Chalobah has been handed more game time amid Kalidou Koulibaly's injury. However, the Englishman couldn't handle Madrid's attackers on a dismal night. While he did make two clearances and four tackles, he was dribbled past twice and made only one interception.
One fan claimed that Chalobah had been drinking at half-time:
"These two screenshots are mad, cucurella and chalobah had tequila shots at HT."
Another demanded that the Blues sell the 23-year-old defender in the summer:
"Chalobah killed this game. Sell him in the summer."
Here's how Twitter reacted to Chalobah's disappointing display against Real Madrid on Tuesday:
Didier Drogba takes aim at Chelsea before their Champions League exit to Real Madrid
Chelsea legend Didier Drogba lambasted the number of changes that have ensued since the Blues' ownership changed hands in May 2022. The Ivorian spoke ahead of his former side's elimination from the Champions League (via Express):
“I knew this club with a certain class during the Abramovich era, but today I find it lacking. It’s very hard for me to see how they got rid of certain people. They should go back to the principles and values they had. I don't recognise my club anymore."
There have been several changes at the Premier League club since Roman Abramovich handed the ownership over. Todd Boehly and Behdad Egbahli have become co-owners. They have parted ways with former director Marina Granovskaia and advisor Petr Cech.
The recruitment staff have changed as has the squad, but it has mostly been arrivals rather than departures. There have been four permanent and temporary managers (Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, Bruno Saltor, and Lampard), during the season.
Lampard is the caretaker boss till the end of the campaign and has overseen four defeats in as many games. The defeat to Real Madrid leaves his side rock-bottom, as they sit 11th in the league. Their hopes of Champions League qualification are all but over.
