Five talking points from Chelsea 0-2 Real Madrid

Real Madrid taught Chelsea a lesson in clinical finishing to progress to the Champions League semi-finals.

Despite being on the back foot for much of the contest at Stamford Bridge, Rodrygo's second-half brace eventually sealed a resounding 4-0 aggregate triumph for Los Blancos.

Their victory sets up a potentially mouth-watering showdown with English champions Manchester City, who head to Bayern Munich tomorrow evening with a 3-0 lead from their first-leg encounter.

Here are five talking points from a spirited but ultimately fruitless night for Frank Lampard's Blues.

Fast start

Chelsea needed a quick start to keep their slim hopes of progression alive — and that was exactly what they produced.

The Blues enjoyed plenty of early possession and got into some fantastic positions out wide in the opening half-hour, lifting the mood among the home support.

But N'Golo Kante scuffed their best chance wide in a period of dominance that ultimately counted for nothing. 

Failing to hit the Marc

Madrid improved in the first half's latter stages but it was Chelsea full-back Marc Cucurella who spurned a seismic opportunity moments before the interval.

The Spaniard, who has endured a difficult start to life in West London, found himself with all the time in the world when a low cross fell to his feet.

But after dwelling on the ball, his eventual low drive was blocked low by ex-Blue Thibaut Courtois — who was subsequently mobbed by his team-mates.

Sucker punch

Though far from their fluent best, Madrid's threat on the break was becoming increasingly noticeable prior to Rodrygo's crucial opener.

Just before the hour mark, an inch-perfect ball set the Brazilian flashing down the right flank before he, Karim Benzema and Vinicius Junior each showed ice-cool composure to play around Chelsea's ragged backline.

The moment the 22-year-old calmly rolled into the empty net effectively ended the tie as a contest.

Adding a gloss

Rodrygo's second made Real's victory look significantly more straightforward than had actually been the case.

But in many ways, this was a typical performance from the Spanish giants in continental competition — unconvincing, shaky at times but ultimately emerging victorious.

Though City or Bayern will surely pose a sterner test in the semi-finals, it would be foolish to rule out Carlo Ancelotti's men ruling Europe once again this season.

Encouraging signs

Chelsea's Champions League exit ends their chances of silverware this season and qualifying for Europe also appears a forlorn hope.

Yet Lampard will take plenty of encouragement from a performance that saw his Blues go down fighting, having carved out ample opportunities to get back into the tie.

If the West Londoners can channel this performance into the remainder of their domestic season, it will give their supporters hope that brighter days lie ahead.