Chelsea suffers Champions League defeat against Real Madrid as club's future remains uncertain

By Ben Church, CNN

Updated 2115 GMT (0515 HKT) April 6, 2022

Thomas Tuchel cut a frustrated figure as he watched his side loose against Real Madrid.

Stamford Bridge (CNN)While the future of Chelsea football club remains in turmoil off the field, the team suffered a torrid night on the pitch in its Champions League quarterfinal first leg tie against Real Madrid on Wednesday.

A hat trick for Karim Benzema inspired his side to a 3-1 win on a wet and windy night in west London, putting the Spanish side in firm control of the matchup ahead of the return leg.It was a game that promised to look very different when the draw was made. Roman Abramovich: Death and destruction in Ukraine overshadows Russian oligarch's legacy at ChelseaSanctions on out-going Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, due to his links with Russian president Vladimir Putin, looked likely to have a huge impact on what was the biggest game of the club's season so far.There was uncertainty whether any fans would be able to attend the game and restrictions on travel budgets brought into doubt whether Chelsea would even be able to participate in the Champions League at all.Read MoreBut, after further clarifications and working with the British government, it was easy to forget about the off-field troubles as a full capacity Stamford Bridge cheered on its side.On the pitch, it was Chelsea who started better, swarming on Madrid players who took a while to settle — but settle they did.The visitors worked a brilliant chance for Vinicius Jr. who smashed the crossbar with his early effort and Chelsea didn't take heed of the early warning.Karim Benzema celebrates with teammates after scoring Real Madrid's first goal.Thomas Tuchel's side quickly found themselves two goals down