Chelsea FC Defeat Sporting Lisbon 3-1 In Champions League
Chelsea FC would take on Sporting Lisbon in their final UEFA Champions League group match knowing they had already secured their spot in the next round. Jose Mourinho would opt for squad rotation, and to start a few players who usually do not feature in the starting XI. Kurt Zouma, Mohamed Salah, and John Obi Mikel all got a start in the match.
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After a relatively quiet opening, things picked up in the 7th minute, when Felipe Luis was brought down by a clumsy challenge inside the box. The official made no hesitation, and pointed to the penalty spot. Cesc Fabregas would step up to take the spot kick, and calmly finish, making the score 1-0 to Chelsea.
Sporting Lisbon still had plenty to play for, and showed some attacking bite in the 12th minute. A draw would see the Portuguese club advance to the next stage, while a loss and a Schalke win would have them relegated to the Europa League.
Just after 16 minutes had gone, the Chelsea lead was doubled through Andre Schurrle. The winger cut inside and found space in the middle of the pitch, just outside the box. He took his shot quickly, and just beat Rui Patricio. That one will feel good for Schurrle, as he’ll certainly be looking to earn more appearances in the Barclay’s Premier League.
Schurrle nearly added to his tally after receiving a ball from Cesar Azpilicueta. The German international took it off the bounce, but was matched by Patricio.
Sporting showed glimpses of promise, but could never really get a sustained attack going. Going into halftime, Chelsea seemed very content with their lead, and it would take a great effort from Sporting to get back into the game.
It wouldn’t take long for Sporting to pull one back, and set up a very interesting second half. Johnathan Silva found himself unmarked inside the box after Chelsea failed to clear a cross properly. Silva controlled, and blasted a shot past Petr Cech, giving his side a glimmer of hope.
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The blues would again go up two goals in the 56th minute after an unlikely scorer, Obi Mikel got his name on the score sheet. The midfielder was there to tap in a ball deflected by Gary Cahill from a corner kick.
With another comfortable advantage, Chelsea were able to pounce again revert to a more relaxed style of football, not having to press forward to impact the game.
In then 83rd minute, a moment many Chelsea fans were waiting for took place. Youngster Ruben Loftus-Cheek was brought on for Fabregas, giving him his first UEFA Champions League Appearance.
The youngsters cameo had little effect to the match, as Chelsea would maintain the 3-1 scoreline. The blues will finish top of their group, and await the round of 16 draw.
MOTM: Andre Schhurrle – Schurrle got a goal to his name, and overall looked lively while on the pitch. Hopefully this performance can lead to more regular first team appearances.