Real Madrid force Todd Boehly to eat his words after Chelsea win prediction

I f there was a moment to make Todd Boehly think twice about making such a bold prediction ever again, it came when Karim Benzema took a pass with his back to goal just before half-time and used the outside of his right foot to produce a flick so deceptive it completely flummoxed N’Golo Kanté, the ground giving way as the ball span away from the Chelsea midfielder and Real Madrid set off on yet another counterattack.

Welcome to the Bernabéu. And Todd, thanks for your take on where European football has been going wrong all these years. A word to the wise, though: maybe keep your thoughts to yourself the next time you feel compelled to tell the world that Chelsea are going to beat the most successful club in Europe 3-0.

This was yet more misplaced confidence. There has been a lot of noise from Chelsea’s owners since last summer but, as things stand, little to back it up on the pitch. They are already on to their fourth manager of the season and, unless they can summon the spirit of 2012 when they host Madrid in the second leg of this quarter-final at Stamford Bridge next Tuesday, are heading out of the Champions League.

Perhaps there is some hope. Chelsea finished with 10 men, losing Ben Chilwell to a red card early in the second half, but a 2-0 defeat keeps them alive. Madrid were a little loose at times, even a little complacent. Yet they still had too much class in the big moments. They had control, whereas Chelsea lacked identity and conceded too much space despite being sent out by Frank Lampard with the apparent intention of keeping it tight.

Perhaps none of this was a surprise given that Lampard took over less than a week ago. At times it was hard to work out what Chelsea wanted to be. Surely, after picking a