Even the assistance of VAR couldn’t prevent Chelsea from falling to defeat against Valencia in their first Champions League game for over a year and a half.
Ross Barkley saw his late penalty, awarded by VAR for a handball, clip the top of the bar on its way over leaving the outcast English midfielder to the mercy of a beyond agitated Stamford Bridge crowd. The spot-kick may have cost Chelsea points, but it was by no means the sole focus of the fans anger as they had for large periods of the game been subjected to a masterclass in pointless possession.
Chelsea created few chances throughout the 90 minutes, committing more fouls than they did shots on goal and impressive performances from both Andreas Christensen and Fikayo Tomori did little to stem the flow of discontent.
With much of the game played in front of Valencia’s backline, the Blues looked bereft of ideas and creativity before Rodrigo broke free of his marker to compound Chelsea’s misery and keep Frank Lampard waiting for his first win at Stamford Bridge.
