-
Nick JuddTransfer writer
Chelsea survived an impressive final goal to take their place in the Champions League semi-finals, the 1-0 defeat on Tuesday against FC Porto in Seville in the return leg, insufficient to nullify the victory by 2- 0 from last week in the same place.
Mehdi Teremi shook Chelsea’s heart when he scored with an incredible header in injury time, but it was too little, too late for Porto, who disappointed the night.
In fact, Thomas Tuchel’s side rarely cared. Porto started the game at the front foot and pressed Chelsea over the pitch. Still, despite their possession, the visitors created very little in front of goal.
Chelsea were unable to shoot at the opposite end and the overall game was messy and messy, allowing the Blues to walk towards the goal.
In the end, it was a straight night for the Blues, but inevitably a bigger test will follow in the last four.
Positive
Chelsea would have expected to face some pressure, but Porto offered little opportunity, which shows how the Blues handled the game. In fact, Chelsea had the best chances to score and in the end it was a relatively nerve-wracking afternoon for the Blues. At the other end, the Blues were extremely determined defending corners and free throws.
– Stream ESPN FC Daily to ESPN + (US only)
– ESPN + Viewer Guide: Bundesliga, Serie A, MLS, FA Cup and more
Negatives
Chelsea will have to find new teams to face in the semi-finals. His game was unknown, the pace sometimes bewildering and creativity in the final third a bit cumbersome.
Administrator rating out of 10
8 – It wasn’t a classic by any means, but Thomas Tuchel will be delighted with the way his team handled the game. They managed the scoreboard well and reduced Porto on a few occasions. It was wacky, but it ended up working, and now Chelsea are surprisingly in the semi-finals.
Player Rating (1-10; 10 = best. Players entered after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Edouard Mendy, 5 – Mendy had little to save from a header from Taremi, towards the goal, whose effort lacks enough power to find the corner. Earlier, Mendy was almost caught when a bad clearance found Jesus Corona, but Jorginho blocked the Mexican’s strike.
DF Cesar Azpilicueta, 6 – In a crazy game, the pattern sets an example. He was often in the right place and at the right time when he was performing his defensive duties and appeared with an incisive pass at the other end.
DF Thiago Silva, 6 – Silva had a quiet presence behind him and his experience towards the end was vital, the Brazilian often came down to take the sting out of the match.
DF Antonio Rudiger, 7 – Such a messy game suited Rudiger and he was clearly ready for a battle. He left very little over him and reacted very quickly if Ben Chilwell needed coverage. His distribution was not fantastic, but with Chelsea having to defend so many corners and free kicks, his presence was important.
DF Reece James, 5 – This was a frustrating night for James, who was not allowed the usual space to move forward. Instead, he was imprisoned and constantly subjected to pressure, which meant that his transfer was sometimes hasty.
DF Ben Chilwell, 6 – The English international made a key block in the back post to block Marko Grujic’s header from a Porto corner before the break. Otherwise, it was a mixed performance. He improved as the game progressed, and while his connecting play was good, his defensive decision-making was questionable.
MF Jorginho, 7 –The Italian international made a key block to deny Corona when Mendy misunderstood and was key to keeping Chelsea so compact. Definitely one of Chelsea’s best performers on the night.
MF N’Golo Kante, 6 – Kante broke an attack very soon and was his usual braggart. There was little quality in running with the ball at his feet, but he was there to keep Porto from tying again and to that end he was extremely effective.
MF Mason Mount, 6 – Mount had the first effort of the Chelsea match, but his shot was deflected deflected. This summed up his evening really; a frustrating night in which he was fine at the break, but didn’t really click in the final third.
MF Christian Pulisic, 8 – The fit American was brilliant and his energy was contagious, not to mention too much for Porto’s defenders. He had several chances to kill the tie, the best of which was a test chance, but was unable to establish proper contact.
FW Kai Havertz, 6 – The German was released on the right very soon and should probably have had a shot, as it was a one-on-one.
Substitutes
MF Hakim Ziyech, N / R – A strange substitution given to Chelsea defended at the time, but barely got an assist.
FW Olivier Giroud, N / R – The Frenchman was a late addition and did not have time to participate.