Chelsea knew they were about to play one of the most crucial match of their season this past Wednesday. Mourinho rested some key figures in the match against Liverpool before the crunch tie at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.
Unfortunately, Chelsea were unable to progress to the Finals, as Athletico had other plans. Despite taking the lead in the closing stage of the First Half. Athletico equalized before half time to swing the advantage back to them with the away goal.
In the Second half, a well taken Penalty from Diego Costa and a Superb effort from Arda Turan put the match beyond Chelsea reach. As Athetico went through to the final by winning 1-3 on Aggregate.
Here are my player rating:
Schwarzer – 6.0/10
After taking the number one position due to injury to Petr Cech. He proved a good asset against Liverpool, but due to poor positioning and defending, He was unfortunate to let 3 goals past him(one from a PK)
Branislav Ivanovic – 6.5/10
Ivanovic played the whole 90mins. Was solid as usual, but couldn’t track back quickly to stop the Athletico attackers
Gary Cahil – 7.0/10
Cahil was solid at the back as usual, disciplined at the back as well, due to poor positioning and few mistakes Athletico Madrid’s Attackers were able to capitalize on it and Punished Chelsea.
John Terry – 6.5/10
John Terry proved a good asset also, he made an attempt getting his head to a Willian corner, which was amazingly saved by Courtois. He also made few mistakes at the back which Athletico Capitalized on.
Ashley Cole – 5.0/10
After missing a mass number of games this season. Cole was called upon to start in left back as Azpilicueta was deployed in a left midfield position, to act as a cover for him. Things just didn’t work out for Ashley. He failed to close is man leading to Athletico Equalizer before half time. He was substituted in the early stage of the Second Half.
Ramires – 5.5/10
The Brazilian made some good tackles, but didn’t really had much impact in the game. Guess, it’s Simply one of those days.
David Luiz – 7.0/10
Luiz was influential in the match. Was good going forward and kept going until the final whistle.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 7.5/10
Dave was solid at the back as usual, and was simply Chelseas’ best defender on the night. He was first deployed in Left midfield to act as a cover to Cole, later returned to LB, where Mourinho has used him for majority of the games this season. He was solid and unfortunate to be on the losing side.
Willian – 6.5/10
Willian has been the powerhorse of Chelsea this season. He was good on the night both tracking back. was later substituted for Schurrle in the 76mins.
Eden Hazard – 6.5/10
Having just returned from injury. Eden, provided more attacking options for Mourinho and was thrown into the starting lineup. He had a crucial chance to get a goal in the second half but the Athletico Shot Stopper made himself big to deny the Belgian superbly. Before the match against Athletico, Eden last Played on April 8 against PSG, in a match he was forced out with a calf injury.
Fernando Torres – 7.0/10
El nino was called upon to start the match once again as Eto’o just returned from a knee injury. Fernando tried to create space in what was a solid Athletico defence. He managed to get a goal before half time which Athletico equalized within few minutes.
Used Subs:
Andre Schurrle – 5.5/10
He came in late in the game and made little impact.
Samuel Eto’o – 5.0/10
After returning from an injury, he had to start from the bench. Immediately, he was introduced in the game he committed a foul on Diego Costa in the 18-yard box which led to the second goal as Costa made no mistake from the spot kick.
Demba Ba – 5.0/10
Ba was introduced in the 66mins and had little impact in the game as he was marked out by the Athletico defenders.
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