Frank Lampard’s first Champions League game as a manager ended in defeat as Valencia beat Chelsea 1-0 – with Ross Barkley missing a penalty.
The game did not start on a bright note for the Blues, when Mason Mount was caught by a late challenge from former Arsenal midfielder Francis Coquelin. The England youngster was forced off, to be replaced by Pedro.
Chelsea had a decent chance on the stroke of half-time when Mateo Kovacic played in Willian, who could only shoot over the bar.
After the break, Valencia keeper Jasper Cillessen denied Marcos Alonso from a free kick, before a set piece for the Spaniards resulted in the opening goal just over 10 minutes later – with striker Rodrigo supplying the finishing touch at the end of the routine.
Substitute Ross Barkley tried to make an impact shortly after coming on, winning the Blues a corner after some good footwork in the box, but Pedro’s shot from the resulting set piece was blocked.
Drama ensued from the next corner, as a header hit a Valencia defender’s arm, with a VAR check ruling it a penalty – but Barkley’s effort from the spot crashed against the crossbar, meaning Valencia took the points back to Spain.
Elsewhere in the group, last season’s semi-finalists Ajax beat Lille 3-0.
More to follow…
