Chelsea have been nowhere close to their greatest on the Stade Pierre-Mauroy however nonetheless managed to guide their place within the Champions League quarter-finals with an unsightly 2-1 victory over Lille.
The house assist was deafening within the early levels and Lille used it to his benefit early. Their excessive strain was a downside for Chelsea and solely a intelligent block from Thiago Silva prevented them from falling behind Burak Yilmaz inside ten minutes.
It took Chelsea about 20 minutes to really develop into the match. Clear possibilities have been high notch however Thomas Tuchel’s males truly began asking inquiries to Lille’s again line.
Lille responded nicely and received the prospect to take the lead from the penalty spot 36 minutes after VAR took a handball from Jorginho. Yilmaz stepped up, 1-0.
Towards the tip of the sport, Chelsea snatched an equalizer by way of Christian Pulisic, who hit a incredible ball from Jorginho to revive the staff’s two – aim lead on the best way into the break.
With the gang rising apprehensive, Lille have been not as sizzling to begin the second half, however got here inside inches of taking the lead once more early. Jonathan Bamba’s fast ft set a publish for Yilmaz, whose nod made Mendy climb to see it subsequent to him.
Xeka then hit the publish with a header simply minutes later, reminding Chelsea that the match was removed from over.
With 20 minutes left, Chelsea made positive it was over.
An wonderful staff aim ended with a superb publish from Mason Mount and a tragic end from Cesar Azpilicueta to place Chelsea within the lead within the night and three targets clear in complete.
That strike sucked life out of the match and Chelsea insisted on reserving a spot in the following spherical.
Silva led by instance / FRANCK FIFE / GettyImages
Edouard Mendy (GK) – 6/10 – Mentally how can he be such shot stopper and but so dangerous on penalties.
Andreas Christensen (CB) – 5/10 – Looked shaky earlier than he left with an harm in the primary half.
Thiago Silva (CB) – 7/10 – The solely cause Chelsea didn’t concede extra in the primary half. An wonderful block to disclaim Yilmaz.
Antonio Rudiger (CB) – 6/10 – Some awkward moments on the again however his means to maneuver ahead was the important thing to getting Chelsea again on this.
Cesar Azpilicueta (RM) – 6/10 – Some actually dangerous moments within the assault however compensated for it with a big aim to place this band to mattress. Usually strong on the again.
Jorginho (CM) – 5/10 – Unlucky for the penalty, however a superb help. Generally all over the place.
N’Golo Kante (CM) – 4/10 – Looked clumsy on this midfield streak. Bad strain and as dangerous in assault as you’ll be able to anticipate.
Mateo Kovacic (CM) – 6/10 – Tried his greatest to drag this midfield streak by way of a tough first half. Some good moments on the ball. Surprising subbad through the break.
Marcos Alonso (LM) – 5/10 – Arrived greater than Azpilicueta however nonetheless did nothing when he received there.
A high hit from Pulisic / Eurasia Sport Images / GettyImages
Christian Pulisic (ST) – 7/10 – Seems to have rediscovered his level contact in latest weeks. A incredible end to maintain Chelsea forward of the sport.
Kai Havertz (ST) – 6/10 – Some good touches when he managed to get the ball in.
Trevoh Chalobah (CB, 33 ‘for Christensen) – 5/10 – Looked very shaky when he got here on. Lucky not to present away a penalty inside seconds of becoming a member of. He stabilized after the break.
Mason Mount (AM, 45 ‘for Kovacic) – 7/10 – His vitality was big for Chelsea and his cross for Azpilicueta’s inexperienced mild was good.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek (CM, 73 ‘for Jorginho) – 5/10 – Some unconvincing moments in possession.
Romelu Lukaku (ST, 73 ‘for Pulisic) – 5/10 – He’s simply so remoted on this staff. Not for lengthy however every part round him regarded awkward. Did not get the passes he needed however didn’t work laborious sufficient for them anyway.
Hakim Ziyech (AM, 83 ‘for Havertz) – N / A
