Chelsea FC Defeat FC Porto 2-0, Qualify for Knockout Stage

Chelsea FC are through to the knockout stages of this year’s UEFA Champions League after a convincing 2-0 home victory over FC Porto. The win will come as a relief to players and fans alike after a disappointing 1-0 loss to Bournemouth last weekend.

With the poor form that the team has shown throughout the season, it was only right that a bit of luck would go their way early in the proceedings.

In the 12th minute Diego Costa was played through on goal with only the keeper to beat. Iker Casillas was able to deny his effort, but unfortunately for the visitors, the ball ricocheted off Ivan Marcano and past the goal line.

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Maicon would try to make a last ditch effort to keep the ball out, but the extra official behind the goal decided correctly that the entire ball had crossed the plane.

Following the goal, Chelsea were able to play comfortably. They knew Porto would have to push on in order to advance from the group and thus could knock the ball around with a certain level of freedom.

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For the majority of the first half, the visitors actually controlled the possession statistics. At one point the disparity was as large as 63-37 in Porto’s favour, but they could never truly threaten the Chelsea goal in the first half.

The Blues started off the second half with the intent of trying to end the game early. Willian was able to break free on goal, but couldn’t quite finish just minutes into the second period.

As the game went on, it became more and more physical. Each side picked up a number of yellow cards, and combined for 36 total fouls committed.

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Just as the game was about to potentially reach its boiling point, Chelsea found the breakthrough they needed. Costa was able to earn possession at the top of the 18-yard box and found Eden Hazard. The winger then picked out Willian, who sent a powerful shot past Casillas’ near post

Following the goal, it appeared the floodgates were ready to burst open. Chelsea had multiple opportunities to put the proverbial icing on the cake, but couldn’t add to the scoreline.

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Although they couldn’t end the game with a bang, the win will hopefully give the squad some momentum with Premier League leaders Leicester on the horizon. As winners of the group, the Blues will be hoping for a favorable matchup in the Round of 16 draw.