Chelsea have progressed to the final 16 stage of the UEFA Champions League, following a convincing 2-0 win over F.C Porto.
The Blues attacked with conviction and defended defiantly, as Porto were unable to sustain their impressive away form in Europe.
Chelsea took the lead through a fortunate own goal, and secured progression with a sensational drive from Willian.
This significant victory, relives the pressure from Jose Mourinho who has been the subject of substantial scrutiny.
Motivated by the possibility of progression, Porto began the game by adopting a strategy that has been so successful at Stamford Bridge this season… Attacking Chelsea.
It was apparent, that Porto were confident, as they played the opening 15 minutes with vigour, purpose and intent looking to penetrate Chelsea’s defence. Perhaps this confidence, was false, avoidance even as Chelsea took the lead in the most bizarre fashion.
Diego Costa – who appeared particularly enlivened – was handed the opportunity to attack Porto’s defence having been identified by Hazard.
The Spaniard’s first-touch was oh so typical of his season, poor, yet Chelsea’s forward swiftly reassured himself and shot goal-wards.
His shot was competently saved by a fellow Spaniard, however the ball deflected off the leg of the rushing Macarno. It seemed that Maxi Perrira’s intervention had cleared the ball off the line, and consequently the Porto faithful celebrated in relief. Yet, contrary to this ecstasy, the goal-line official – who was perfectly positioned – signalled that the ball had crossed the line. 1-0 Chelsea.
This significant early goal, gave Chelsea the belief that they could indeed conquer the Portuguese champions. This confidence was soon evident in their style of play.
A efficient counter-attack saw Oscar attack the Porto defence with menace and purpose. The Brazilian astutely identified the run of Willian, and executed the pass.
Willian – who has been the shining light in a particularly gloomy campaign – inventively back-heeled the ball to Oscar, creating a meaningful opportunity. It appeared that the shot was destined for the back of the net, yet the deflection diverted the ball away from the goal.
Chelsea began the game with the same intensity and conviction that they displayed in the first-half. This purposeful play soon saw the Blues double their advantage, enhancing the difficulty of the task facing Porto.
Diego Costa intelligently fed Hazard, the Belgian instinctively played a through ball into the path of Willian who produced a thunderous strike past the reach of the extended Casillas. 2-0, Chelsea firmly in the ascendancy.
Having doubled their advantage Chelsea opted to sit deep, and select their opportunities to counter-attack. Despite dominating he majority of the possession, Chelsea’s rigid structure frustrated Porto who limited to very few goal-scoring opportunities.
Their best opportunity of the second-half was crafted by the Algerian Brahimi, who guided a curling effort to the top-right corner. Chelsea’s experience was prevalent as Ivanovic competently diverted the ball away from Courtois.
The game continued it’s pattern towards the conclusion, as Chelsea continued to counter-attack a demoralised Porto side who had only lost once in their last 24 fixtures. With a mere nine minutes remaining – and progression virtually assured – Chelsea came agonisingly close to securing the victory through the lively Eden Hazard.
The Pensioners’ number 10 attacked with menace and his shot struck the base of the post, as a relieved Casillas was unable to prevent the shot. FT 2-0
