Carlo Ancelotti Pleased With His Side’s Win Over Spartak Moscow
Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti was pleased with his side’s win over Spartak Moscow in their Champions League fixture against the Russian side. This win was especially important because it effectively banished the nightmare of their defeat at the Luzhniki Stadium
two years ago against Manchester United in the Champions League final.
Nothing could have been more befitting than the Russian international Yuri Zhirkov opening the scoring for the Blues, also his first goal for the club. Nicolas Anelka made it 2-0 shortly after, guaranteeing an easy win for the Blues over their Russian opponents.
This was the Frenchman’s 50th goal for the club, he has been exceptional, especially with Didier Drogba missing in action.
The Russian left back Zhirkov had previously spent five seasons with CSKA Moscow and was familiar with the artificial pitch, he made most of a loose ball and with a superb volley which ended up in the top corner of the net from about 20 meters out putting
the Blues ahead just 23 minutes into the game. Anelka who missed an earlier chance, made amends and scored in the 43rd minute.
The victory puts Ancelotti’s side three points clear at the top of their group, and it will just take a win over Spartak Moscow at Stamford Bridge to confirm a first place finish in Group F. Chelsea have always claimed Stamford Bridge to be somewhat a fortress,
experts have predicted a comfortable win for the Blues in the second leg, which takes place on November 3.
Ancelotti told reporters, “I think that we played a good game. It was not an easy game because Spartak, above all in the second half, played well. But we established good control in that first half, scoring two goals, and then controlled it defensively in
the second. We played well at the back, above all Petr Cech, who made some fantastic saves.”
However, Ancelotti said he was still wary, the Italian manager said he would not rest until he had led his side past the group stages. After that he said he would be focused on the next challenge, until his side had reached the final. He said his aim was
to win the Champions League and he would do it with whichever players were available, he did not believe in resting players for the coveted European Cup.
Ancelotti added, “We are not in the last 16 yet. We have to play three games and must do our best in those matches. We have to stay focused about the next game. We want to arrive in first place. That's our aim. We will have the possibility to do this, but
it doesn't mean we have to rest the other players. The Champions League is an important competition every time you play.”
Chelsea were without several key players, including Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard, Salomon Kalou and Alex, among others. Ancelotti’s side started off cautiously, but after a few minutes it was apparent to both sides that the Blues were the better side and
Zhirkov’s wondrous strike only confirmed their dominance. The Blues seemed to be at full strength and despite only scoring two goals; they had many commendable efforts which were denied.
Spartak did not have as many injuries as the visitors but they were without Alex, the Brazilian playmaker was out with a thigh injury and his return is still uncertain. The home side started off strong, coming up with the first chance under 15 minutes, but
Dmitry Kombarov misjudged the distance and blasted the shot over the bar from about 12 meters.
Petr Cech was exceptional on the few occasions he was called into action and did well to maintain a clean sheet. This win sees Chelsea maintain a 100% record in the Champions League this season so far, they are now group leaders and need just one more win
to cement their position. The Blues will undoubtedly present a better challenge for the Champions League as compared to last season.
Tags: