Chelsea FC Draw at Galatasaray
Chelsea FC started their round of 16 UEFA Champions League tie with a trip to Istanbul to face Galatasaray SK. With the combination of multiple storylines, and the atmosphere of the Turk Telekom Arena, the match was destined to be an interesting affair.
As is the case usually for the openings of big games, both teams used the first few minutes to feel each other out. Both Chelsea FC and Galatasaray looked ready for the occasion, but it was the Blues who were more promising in the attacking end of the pitch. Their aggressiveness would pay off, as Chelsea FC got the early goal they were looking for.
After pouncing on a turnover, Andre Schurrle pushed the ball down the left flank, and found fullback Cesar Azpilicueta providing support for the counter attack. Azpilicueta continued into the penalty area, where he cut the ball back for an oncoming Fernando Torres. All he needed was a touch to take advantage of the empty net, and that he did, giving Chelsea FC a 1-0 lead after only nine minutes played.
It was again Schurrle starting another chance for the Blues in the 28th minute, as he whipped a ball to the top of the penalty box, which found Ramires, but he couldn’t take advantage of the opportunity, and put the ball over the crossbar. Just minutes later Izet Hajrovic, who would eventually be subbed later in the half, tested Petr Cech with a long distance strike, but the keeper was able to hold on to the ball safely.
Chelsea got their early goal, and created one or two more chances to add to their lead. But Galatasaray had a couple of half chances of their own, and wouldn’t give up in front of their home crowd.
As the second half began, Chelsea looked poised to double their lead. Eden Hazard picked up another bad turnover from Galatasaray, and found Torres between the two central defenders. Torres picked up the ball, shrugged off one defender, but saw his shot saved by Fernando Muslera.
From that point on, Gala controlled the game and looked the better team. In the 54th minute the Chelsea defense was split open, and Gary Cahill almost suffered the misfortune of an own goal after an errant touch bounced off him and sped past Cech’s near post
Didier Drogba almost got one over on his former club, but his header was instead almost put in the back of the net from a flick, but the post was unkind. The pressure finally paid off after 65 minutes. A corner sent directly in front of Cech was tapped in by Aurelien Chedjou. Poor marking lead to the goal, and Galatasaray got the equalizer they were looking for.
Gala weren’t finished though, as they pushed on to try and take the lead. Alex Telles sent a thunderous long-range effort toward the Chelsea goal in the 75th minute, but Cech made a crucial save.
For the closing 15 minutes, Chelsea were able to slow down the game some, and will walk away with a draw. While Chelsea fans obviously hoped for a victory, a draw at this venue could be seen as a respectable result. It was nice to see Fernando Torres get on the score sheet, and Frank Lampard again had a good run out. While the second leg will no doubt be a nervous one, Chelsea are more than capable of advancing to the next stage.
Man of the Match – Aurelien Chedjou: Chedjou had a solid game in defense, and scored the equalizing goal which delighted the home fans.
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