RB Salzburg 1-2 Chelsea: 3 UCL talking points

The Pride of London discuss three talking points from Chelsea’s triumphant visit to RB Salzburg of Austria in the Champions League.

At halftime Graham Potter’s men were 1-0 up in the latest UCL Group E game versus the club they couldn’t defeat at home in the Englishman’s maiden match at Stamford Bridge. However, the Austrian outfit are fairly underrated and have possibly been underestimated by a few opponents in recent years. And Salzburg duly found the leveller around 48 minutes in to the clash.

I felt the Blues grew into the game and, in spite of the equaliser, were pretty strong in the second half as well. Yes, against better opposition the west London club might perhaps have been better tested than during Tuesday night’s encounter. Nonetheless, some convincing moves and penetration was evident via the team from England.

Securing progression to the competition knockout round is heartening after an away loss in the first outing. Achieving this as confirmed group leaders with a match to go is a particularly favourable sign and feather in Potter’s cap.

Chelsea’s usual positives were apparent

Chels’ exhibited some typically impressive, eye-pleasing and encouraging play which we have seen before in Potter’s tenure. These elements, among others, include an occasionally swifter transition from defence to attack and the ability to alter positions in-game in order to thwart productive opposition channels. Not to mention the more confidence and talented players playing with further beneficial attacking freedom.