Chelsea now find themselves in Amsterdam haven, after destroying FC Basel in the Europa League semi-finals. Salah gave Basel the lead before half-time. However, Fernando Torres soon equalized in the second halfand Moses went on to give Chelsea the lead. Luiz unleashed a ferocious weak foot strike which swirled into the back of the net.
Scorers :
Stats :
What We Learned :
1. Luiz in a permanent midfield role
2. Chelsea’s best chance at silverware
3. Perfect starting 11 was chosen.
4. Torres regains his awkward romance with the Europa League
1. Luiz in a permanent midfield role
Luiz was dominant in midfield. He got himself in front of every ball, defended well, attacked whenever he could, played brilliant through balls, made his physical presence known in the center of the park and scored an absolute scorcher. If we take in the fact that Mourinho is indeed making a return to the English Premier League and at Chelsea, he would make the best use of Luiz in the holding midfield area. The unpredictability and flair offered by the Brazilian is unmatched to any in the present Chelsea squad. Do the PlayStation minions hiding in his locks of hair still control him Mr. Neville?
2. Chelsea’s best chance at silverware
.. or to rephrase it, Chelsea’s only chance at silverware this season. Calling this year a bitter disappointment, would be an understatement. However Chelsea can take the pride of knowing that they’re once again the only English club in Europe for the second consecutive year. Winning Europa would make Chelsea one of the handful of clubs to have won all the European competitions in offer. This along with a Champions League spot could make it a memorable year.
3. Perfect starting 11 was chosen
Credit where it is due, Rafael Benitez was spot on with his starting 11. He picked the players with the United game on the back of his head. Mata, Oscar and Terry were all rested for the crunch game against the English champions on Sunday. Cole was forced to be rested as well, after racking up a suspension in the first leg of the Europa semi-final. Moreover he substituted the eccentric Luiz when the game was settled with a 3-1 scoreline. This was to prevent Luiz from picking up another yellow card which would rule him out of the finals.
4. Torres regains his awkward romance with the Europa League
Torres did have a rather disappointing game against Basel in Switzerland, however he equalized once again for Chelsea with another goal to his tally in Europa. 20 goals for the Spaniard this season, but he has been a vital cog in Chelsea’s progress through this particular tournament. A goal in the final would do wonders to his confidence, something he desperately needs. With Mourinho coming in next season, Torres does look like he will depart from the West London outfit this summer. But, what if the Special One, changes his fortune? If no one can, Jose Mourinho can.
Other Points :
1. Marko Marin looks extinct
2. Moses has been really good over the two legs
