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Nick JuddTransfer writer
Chelsea survived a stunningly late goal to take their place in the Champions League semi-finals, Tuesday’s 1-0 defeat to FC Porto in Sevilla in the return match was not enough to take their 2-0 win at the same last week. location.
Mehdi Teremi made Chelsea’s hearts flutter as he scored with an incredible bicycle kick in injury time, but it was too little too late for Porto disappointing on the evening.
In reality, Thomas Tuchel’s side rarely had any problems. Porto started the game on the front foot and they pushed Chelsea high on the field. But despite all their possession, the visitors created little for the goal.
Chelsea failed to fire on the other side and the match was generally scrappy and disjointed, allowing the Blues to make their way to the finish line.
In the end, it was a straightforward night for the Blues, but a bigger test will inevitably follow in the last four.
Pros
Chelsea had expected it to get some pressure, but Porto offered few opportunities, which is a testament to how the Blues managed the game. Chelsea even had the better chances to score and in the end it was a relatively nervous evening for Blauw-Zwart. On the other hand, the Blues were extremely resolute defensive corners and free kicks.
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Negatives
Chelsea will have to find new gears for whoever they face in the semi-finals. Their playing was incoherent, the passing at times quirky and the creativity in the last third a bit cumbersome.
Manager rating out of 10
8 – This was by no means a classic, but Thomas Tuchel will be happy with the way his side played the game. They took the score well and reduced Porto to few chances. It was scrappy, but a job, and now Chelsea are surprisingly in the semi-finals.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes will not be rated)
DM Edouard Mendy, 5 – Mendy had little to save from a goal-oriented header from Taremi, whose attempt didn’t have enough power to find the corner. Earlier, Mendy was nearly caught when a bad clearance found Jesus Corona, but the Mexican’s attack was blocked by Jorginho.
DF Cesar Azpilicueta, 6 – In a scrappy game, the skipper sets a good example. He was often in the right place at the right time in his defensive duties, and he showed up with a sharp pass on the other side.
DF Thiago Silva, 6 – Silva was a calming presence in the back and his experience towards the end was vital, the Brazilian often going down to take the sting out of the game.
DF Antonio Rudiger, 7 – Rudiger liked such a disjointed game and was clearly ready for a fight. He let very little pass and reacted very quickly when Ben Chilwell needed cover. His breakdown wasn’t great, but with Chelsea defending so many corners and free kicks, his presence was important.
DF Reece James, 5 – This was a frustrating night for James, who was not given the usual amount of space to move forward. Instead, he was pushed back and constantly pressured, which meant that his death was sometimes haunted.
DF Ben Chilwell, 6 – The England international made a key block at the back post to block Marko Grujic’s header from a corner of Porto before half time. Otherwise it was a mixed performance. He got better as the game went on and while his connection game was good, his decision-making in defense was questionable.
MF Jorginho, 7 –The Italy international made a key block to deny Corona when Mendy made a mistake and he was a key to keeping Chelsea so compact. Undoubtedly one of Chelsea’s best performers on the night.
MF N’Golo Kante, 6 – Kante attacked early on and was his usual reckless self. There was little quality running with the ball at his feet, but he was there to keep Porto from getting back into the tie, and he was extremely effective with that goal.
MF Mason Mount, 6 – Mount had Chelsea’s first try of the game, but his shot went wide. That really summed up his evening; a frustrating evening in which he was good at half time, but it didn’t really click for him in the last third.
MF Christian Pulisic, 8 – The American in shape was smart all the time, and his energy was contagious, if not a little too much for the Porto defenders. He had several chances to kill the draw, the best of which was a volley chance, but he couldn’t make a good contact.
FW Kai Havertz, 6 – The German was released early on the right side and probably should have had a shot as he was one on one.
Substitutes
MF Hakim Ziyech, N / R – A strange substitution, considering Chelsea was defending at the time, but he almost got an assist.
FW Olivier Giroud, N / R – The Frenchman was a late addition and didn’t have time to join.