UEFA Champions League: Chelsea vs FC Porto Match Report
Chelsea progressed through to the semi finals of the UEFA Champions League for the first time since 2014. They lost 1-0 to FC Porto in the second leg of the quarterfinals. In aggregate the blues won 2-1.
First Half
Thiago Silva came back into the starting line up with Thomas Tuchel opting for the attacking trio which he fielded against Crystal Palace. With Matteo Kovacic injured prior to the game Jorginho came alongside N’golo Kante.
FC Porto started off extremely brightly and looked to pressurize Chelsea. But much like in the first leg they had no net result. Eduoard Mendy gave Uribe a golden chance with his misplaced pass but he couldn’t take it.
A promising Chelsea breakaway saw Reece James get a shot off, but it was fizzed well wide.
Otavio was presented with a straight sight on goal by Ben Chilwell, but he blasted the ball over. Chelsea’s best opportunity came in via Mason Mount’s shot which was deflected just wide of Marchesin.
Kante broke through the line and slipped Kai Havertz in, but the German saw his two efforts blocked.
Overall the first half lacked any real bite with Chelsea lacking any real intent and FC Porto unable to capitalise on the pressure they were creating.
Second Half
Up until the 70th minute of the match there was no shot on target for either side. Thats how dull the game had become with neither of the attackers able to breach the defences.
Christian Pulisic had low cross delivered to him by Ben Chilwell but he couldn’t sort out his feet. Chelsea had another great opportunity with Mason Mount on the left with plenty of space ahead.
The youngster drove forward with the ball and tried to shoot at the near post. However Manafa did brilliantly to get across and deflected it wide.
Eduoard Mendy was finally called into action with Taremi getting the shot away. Otavio chipped in the ball to Corona who had three men to target into the box. He chose Taremi but the latter’s shot was saved easily.
In an ironical end to the game Taremi scored a stunner of a goal to end the match. A fantastic overhead kick to leave Mendy stranded. But it’s all a little too late for FC Porto
Ishandeb Tula
(380 Articles Published)