After the disappointing loss to Basel in the Champions league game on Tuesday, Let’s look at some important points we learned. Even though we advanced as a result of Schalke’s draw against Bucharesti away, our spot in the last 16 of the Champions league is now fully insured. Mourinho was still angry as every fan after the game since we had the chance to score or still get a draw in Switzerland.

We couldn’t avenge for our opening day defeat at Stamford Bridge since Mohamed Salah yet again scored to put us in a losing position late on in the game.

Does this signal the Blues’ wickedness in matches vs Basel?  

It’s 2 losses to the Swiss champions in as many games in this year’s champions league campaign. We barely eliminated them from the semi-finals of the Europa league even though they were surely not in the same mentality as they played us this year especially in this game. But, this in no way means we are unable to totally get a result against Basel. In the first match at the Bridge, we failed to convert our chances and kill of the game early before they hit us in the break and won the game from behind. In this game, it was do-or-die for them since they have no chance of qualifying unless they beat us in this game while Jose’s men looked like settling to kill the game of rather than beating them to revenge the first match defeat at the Bridge.

Willian worked incredibly well with pace and energy

The Brazilian samba boy gave Mourinho what he wanted to see our on the wings as he pressed high up against the Swiss team. He also run his heart out on the pitch from one side to the other giving every sweat for the team. His dribbling has been world class but, was unlikely today to spark results against a well drilled, strong Basel side that had nothing to lose. This performance surely won’t go unnoticed in Mourinho’s eyes and watch out for Willian to get good run of games for the following 9 upcoming matches in December.

Petr Cech was clear Man of the Match despite defeat

The Czech international was the best player on the field just narrowing Mohamed Salah for the honor who was mostly ousted by Azpilicueta before he capitalized on Ivanovic’s napping to get the winner. Cech though saved the Blues from a further worse scoreline since the Swiss champs had lots of chances in the first half by itself to kill the game off. Thanks to Cech, we at least were saved from further embarrassing scoreline like that of a 3-0 against Juventus a year ago.

Mohamed Salah is the real deal when coming up against the Blues

We might have said it was a fluke luckiness first times Salah got to score against us in the first match. But, after his complete 100% display in both games against us, we should give him the props he deserves since the Egyptian outshone any winger of ours in both games. He was a threat driving through our half and also delivering in crosses to the 6’5” Marko Streller. Even though, his late winner was resulted by Ivanovic’s slow reaction to the long ball (or napping as Jose signaled to his staff  afterwards), Salah is a bright prospect and one of the underrated star wingers to watch for in Europe.

Here are some of the points I accumulated mainly from the disappointing loss. Please comment and let us know of your opinions about the game. Thanks for reading and follow me on twitter (@FahmiCFC)! Win or loss, Chelsea till we die. Never give up!