Fofana insists Chelsea will not throw in the towel

Wesley Fofana refuses to accept Chelsea's Champions League dream is as good as over. 

Frank Lampard's Blues slipped to a 2-0 defeat last night as goals from Karim Benzema and sub Marco Asensio put Real Madrid firmly in charge of their Champions League quarter-final. 

But despite the fact Ben Chilwell will miss Tuesday's return leg after being red-carded at the Bernabeu, Fofana and his team-mates will not throw in the towel. 

The defender, 22, said: "It is difficult to take because we lost a player and conceded one goal in each half. 

"Of course, it is always disappointing to concede two goals. 

"The current situation is difficult for everybody but next week we're playing the second leg at home, which is good. 

"We're at Stamford Bridge, which is our home and an amazing stadium. It is only 2-0 and it is all to play for."

Fofana played in a central defensive trio alongside the returning Thiago Silva and Kalidou Koulibaly as Lampard switched from a flat back four for the second match of his spell as caretaker boss. 

And the Frenchman revealed the club legend sent his team out with a very clear message before the game. 

He added: "He said play for the club, the badge and for Chelsea. 

"We will prepare for the next game. We lost but when you see the game it is OK as 2-0 isn't the worst. There are positives to take. 

"It is hard for everybody as one coach comes in, he leaves and then another coach arrives. 

"Every player is focused on winning games. We are Chelsea, a big club. 

"It is important to try our best for everyone to win more games. It is complicated, of course. The Champions League is the biggest competition and we will still try to win it."

Before Chelsea welcome Real to the Bridge, Lampard must lift his side for Saturday's Premier League showdown with Brighton. 

The 11th-placed Blues are seven points behind Roberto De Zerbi's men and have played two more games.