Chelsea proved just how far they have come under Thomas Tuchel last night. The Blues recorded a 1-1 draw against Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final and yet there was a genuine reason for disappointment.
Had they been more clinical, had they the precision in the final third the German coach has so often highlighted, then perhaps the Blues would go into next week's second leg with one foot already in the final in Istanbul.
Christian Pulisic was Chelsea's goalscorer at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano. The American showed remarkable composure to round Thibaut Courtois and then fire beyond the covering centre-backs, Nacho and Raphael Varane. Had Timo Werner displayed the same ruthlessness earlier in the contest, the tie may have been beyond Madrid.
The Blues do have an away goal. That will be crucial when the sides meet at Stamford Bridge. The onus will be on Real to come out, to be in the front foot. They need to score, after all.
That should give Chelsea licence to play on the counter, to exploit the space that will inevitably be created. They will, however, need to be clinical.
But what did you make of last night's game? What do you anticipate from the second leg, which will be played next Wednesday? Do you think the Blues will rue their missed chances? And what other big Chelsea talking points do you want to discuss?
Our Chelsea writer Adam Newson will be holding a Q&A shortly and you can get involved by scrolling to the comments section and typing in your question – we promise it will get answered!
All you have to do is sign up is submit your question, register your details and you can then take part in the discussion. (You can also sign up by clicking on the silhouette on the top right-hand corner of the screen).
