Chelsea slumped to a 1-0 defeat to Valencia in their opening Champions League match as Ross Barkley missed a late penalty.
Ross Barkley missed a late penalty as Chelsea’s Champions League campaign under Frank Lampard began with a 1-0 loss to Valencia in Group H.
Valencia’s off-the-field issues have overshadowed their on-field exploits since Marcelino’s sacking last week, but Albert Celades’ side bounced back from their 5-2 defeat to Barcelona with a resilient performance at Stamford Bridge.
With Jasper Cillessen in fine form and Mason Mount’s injury having compounded Chelsea’s frustrations, the Blues’ frailties were exposed once more when Rodrigo Moreno prodded in Dani Parejo’s free-kick with16 minutes remaining.
VAR came to Chelsea’s rescue when the referee decided to award the hosts a spot-kick for a Daniel Wass handball, but substitute Barkley – who overruled Willian to take the penalty – struck the bar.
