Chelsa Lost in Champions League – A Closer Inspection

Nothing is going right for Chelsea. It seems to be doomsday for the Blues on both domestic and international platforms. They have a very frustrating start to this season and suffering seems to have no end for them. In their recent Champions League outing, Chelsea have lost in their meeting with Porto. With both Arsenal and Chelsea lost in Champions League competition, the football pundits are raising doubts over English club’s European aspiration.

The hosts earned the lead as Andre volleyed home after an effort by Yacine Brahimi was pushed away.

 However, Chelsea responded as playmaker Willian put the travelers on level just before the interval. He produced a superb free-kick just right from the edge of the box. The hosts restored the lead once again, this time, via Maicon. He whipped up a header that curled into the net from the front woodwork.

Diego Costa flicked a curled shot but it only rattled the crossbar. Former Barcelona player Pedro and ex-Arsenal captain make efforts only to see those parried away by their Spain teammate Iker Casillas who was playing record number of 152 matches in the European competition. The Blues built up pressure but that was limited to early in the first half. They claimed for a late penalty on the ground of an Ivan Marcano handball.

However, the English side returned home without a victory and anything memorable.

Mourinho magic losing power

The critics are of the view that Mourinho magic that worked last season and earned Chelsea the domestic crown seems to be effective no longer. Eden Hazard, the PFA player of the year, was axed from the visiting squad and that surprised many fans and pundits. It was believed that Mourinho did not want him in his team as the Belgium international is struggling to reinvent his form.

On-loan forward Radamel Falcao could not make it the bench against a team both he and Mourhinho had a spell with. However, it was the Blues’ backline that troubled them most. The Stamford Bridge side conceded the second most Premier League goals this season. However, they also failed to assault their opponents, no matter whether it is in the domestic league or European arena.