Chelsea vs Zenit: Three lessons learnt in Champions League opener

1. Ruthless Antonio Rudiger the difference between the sides

While a lot of credits are often given to the strikers, in this game the striker did score, but he did not have a very good game. Still, Lukaku received the Man of the Match award. However, in my opinion, the award should have been given to Rudiger. The German defender was on a different level on Tuesday night and he let everyone around him know that, as well. Not only was he confident in every tackle that he went into, he was also enjoying himself. From the first half itself, fans could see the former Roma player was playing a very high line and even crossing the halfway line at some points. He was strong and asserted dominance over the opponents with his strength.

Rudiger was playing with so much confidence against Zenit that he even decided to take on a Kurt Zouma-like run in the 49′. Just like how Zouma went from Chelsea’s half into Ajax’s defense in the 2019/20 season, Rudiger also went into Zenit’s defense. The difference between the two was that Zouma absolutely skied the shot, whereas Rudiger took a decent shot that might have even gone in had it had a bit more room to curl. It was an amazing run to witness and Chelsea fans understandably gave him a big applause for trying such an outrageous move.

However, playing in advanced positions was not all that he did. He also made a few crucial tackles to make sure that the Blues kept the clean sheet. In a sudden attack by Zenit, Sardar Azmoun was away from Azpilicueta and was through on goal with only Edouard Mendy to beat. Rudiger promptly closed him down from the side and made an incredible tackle to keep Chelsea in the game. He made a few more important blocks and interceptions to help keep the clean sheet, and his performance shows us why the Blues are desperately trying to extend his contract.

Are you happy with Chelsea’s performance against Zenit in the Champions League opener? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!