-
Nick JuddTransfer Author
Chelsea survived a beautiful late goal to take their place in the semi-finals of the Champions League, with Tuesday’s 1-0 defeat to FC Porto in Sevilla in the second leg, not enough to secure their 2-0 victory of last week at the same place.
Mehdi Teremi made Chelsea’s hearts flutter when he passed with an incredible overhead kick in injury time, but it was too little, too late for Porto, who were disappointing at night.
In fact, Thomas Tuchel’s side was rarely upset. Porto started the match on the front foot, and they pushed Chelsea high on the sheet. The visitors, however, despite their possession created very little in front of the goal.
Chelsea could not shoot on the other side and the overall game was scrappy and diverse, allowing the Blues to reach their finish line.
In the end, it was a straight night for the Blues, but a bigger test will inevitably follow in the last four.
Positive
Chelsea would have expected to get some pressure, but Porto offered few chances, proving how the Blues managed the game. In fact, Chelsea had the better chances to score, and in the end it was a relatively nerve-wracking night for the Blues. On the other hand, the Blues were extremely determined to defend corners and free kicks.
– Stream ESPN FC Daily on ESPN + (US only)
ESPN + Viewer Guide: Bundesliga, Serie A, MLS, FA Cup and more
Negative
Chelsea will have to find new gears against whoever they face in the semi-finals. Their play was not put together, the passing sometimes quirky and the creativity in the last third a bit cumbersome.
Driver rating out of 10
8 It was by no means a classic, but Thomas Tuchel will be very happy with the way his team handled the match. They managed the score well and reduced Porto to few chances. It was scrappy, but a matter of work, and now Chelsea are surprisingly in the semi-finals.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players launched after 70 minutes will not receive a rating)
GK Edouard Mendy, 5 – Mendy had little to do except for a goal-based header from Taremi, whose power did not have enough power to find the corner. Earlier, Mendy was almost caught out when Jesus Corona received a poor clearance, but the strike of the Mexican was blocked by Jorginho.
DF Cesar Azpilicueta, 6 – In a scratch game, the captain is the example. He was often at the right time at the right time when he was doing his defensive work, and he showed up on the other side with an penetrating pass.
DF Thiago Silva, 6 – Silva was a calming presence at the back and his experience towards the end was vital. The Brazilian regularly went down to get the sting out of the game.
DF Antonio Rudiger, 7 – Such a diverse game suited Rudiger and he was clearly ready for a fight. He leaves very little to be desired and responds very quickly when Ben Chilwell needs coverage. His distribution was not good, but because Chelsea had to defend so many corners and free kicks, his presence was important.
DF Reece James, 5 – It was a frustrating night for James, who did not get the usual space to move forward. Instead, he was pinned down and constantly put under pressure, which meant he sometimes died off.
DF Ben Chilwell, 6 – The English international played a key block at the back post to block Marko Grujic’s header from a corner of Porto before the break. It was otherwise a mixed performance. He got better as the game went on, and although his liaison work was good, his decision-making in defense was questionable.
MF Jorginho, 7 –The Italian international made an important block to deny Corona when Mendy cleared out wrong and he was a key to keeping Chelsea so compact. Certainly one of the best performers from Chelsea on the night.
MF N’Golo Kante, 6 – Kante broke up an attack early and was his usual self-addicted self. There was little quality to running with the ball at his feet, but he was there to prevent Porto from ending up in the tie again, and therefore he was extremely effective.
MF Mason Mount, 6 – Mount had Chelsea’s first attempt in the game, but his shot was widely dismissed. It really summed up his evening; a frustrating night in which he was fine with the break, but it did not really click for him in the last third.
MF Christian Pulisic, 8 – The American in form was consistently bright and his energy was contagious, if not a little too much for Porto’s defenders. He had several opportunities to kill the tie, the best of which was a volleyball opportunity, but he could not make proper contact.
FW Kai Havertz, 6 – The German was released early on the right and probably should have had a shot because he was one on one.
Substitutes
MF Hakim Ziyech, N / R – A strange substitute, who gave Chelsea, defended at the time, but he almost got an assist.
FW Olivier Giroud, N / R – The Frenchman was a late addition and did not have time to get involved.