A defiant Chelsea team maintained their chances of Champions League group qualification by conquering a stubborn Dynamo Kiev side at Stamford Bridge.
Having taken the lead during the first-half, Chelsea’s defence failed to contain the Ukrainian side. Yet, with seven minutes left Willian proved to be Mourinho’s saviour once again, as the Blues sealed all three points which moved them second place in the group being Porto who also picked up the three points against Group G whipping boys Tel-Aviv.
Chelsea began the game with great attacking purpose. The blues dominated possession, especially in Dynamo’s final-third yet failing to produce any meaningful opportunities. Both Oscar and Ramires received half-opportunities, yet their shots were central and was easily neutralised by the Kiev goalkeeper.
Due to the fact that Chelsea were dictating the possession, Dynamo’s chances were limited and they failed to test Begovic. Mourinho’s men continued to dominate the possession, negating the threat that Kiev’s attack posed. Coincidentally it was a Dynamo player that handed Chelsea the league – a sense of considerable relief dawned upon the Chelsea faithful.
Willian, Chelsea’s most influential player this season maintained his recent form. Utilising the space that existed on the left-flank, the Brazilian produced a curling cross that was diverted into the net by Dragovic. 1-0 Chelsea
Moments prior to the half-time whistle it appeared that Chelsea were going to receive a penalty. Having driven with menace and intent into the penalty area, Costa was seemingly impeded whilst poised to shoot. Initially the referee brought the whistle to his pursed lips, before opting to wave away Chelsea’s protests. In hindsight it was probably the correct call, however at full speed, the penalty appeared a stone-waller.
The beginning to the second-half was a complete contradiction to the first. Dynamo were in control, dictating the tempo of the play whilst inserting pressure on a fragile Chelsea defence. This period of pressure continued until the 60th minute testing the competence and the nerves of the Blues’ unsettled back-line.
This constant determination soon warranted Kiev an equaliser. Thus far Dragovic was the individual who had the greatest influence in the game, he retained this status in the 78th minute. The Austrian centre-back capitalised on an error by Asmir Begovic – who failed to collect the cross – firing home a powerful half-volley, further adding to Chelsea’s current dejection. 1-1.
Mourinho swiftly responded to Chelsea’s set-back, resorting to Eden Hazard and Pedro in an attempt to secure the victory. Indeed, these substitutions were commendable as Hazard made an indispensable impact. In light of recent condemnation directed towards the Belgian, Hazard appeared particularly motivated and enlivened. The injection of pace he provided intensified the Chelsea attack, and made the possibility of a winner more plausible.
The Blues were presented with an ideal opportunity to certify the crucial three points, after Hazard was impeded. Chelsea’s most influential player of the season, Willian was handed with the responsibility to win the game. Powerfully, the ball flew into the top-right corner – his goal from free-kicks this season. The reaction from the Chelsea supporters was euphoric as they basked in ecstasy. 2-1 Chelsea!
