Champions League, MSK Zilina 1-4 Chelsea Match Report
Chelsea once again proved they mean business with their win over MSK Zilina in the opening fixture of the Champions League. Even though these are just the group stages, the Blues are well aware that a good start is crucial for a successful campaign. They
have managed just that in the English Premier League and seem to be on their way to be doing that on their way to the European Cup.
Chelsea got off to a clumsy start in the 11,000 crowd stadium as Zhirkov made a silly error, the Slovakian side could have capitalized on it had Alex not stepped in to concede a corner. Babatounde Bello was a threat to the Chelsea goal early on as his shots
aimed at tight angels forced Petr Cech to impressive saves. After 5 minutes the Blues retaliated as they launched an attack with Benayoun playing an important part as he delivered inch perfect crosses.
Zhirkov was fouled which resulted in a Chelsea free kick, Malouda took it. The Frenchman’s delivery reached Captain John Terry who passed it to Sturridge, despite his best efforts the shot went over the bar. However, just a minute later in the 13th
minute Michael Essien scored a goal, converted from a low cross by striker Nicolas Anelka.
After the first goal the Blues were in charge. They enjoyed long periods of possession and continued with their persistent attacks. Benayoun, the former Liverpool midfielder, who was filling in for the missing Frank Lampard, made the most of the place in
the starting 11 and was an important part of their attacks forward. Ancelotti’s side had to wait a few minutes before they had their second goal.
Anelka was provided by Malouda with a fantastic through ball, which his countryman made the most of. His left footed shot left the hosts’ keeper helpless as the ball ended in the back of the net. Anelka found the back of the net again, only four minutes
later in the 28th minute. This time Malouda delivered a cross, which was headed against the bar by Terry only for Anelka to tuck it into the net. Not even the half hour mark and Chelsea were 3-0 up.
The period after that Zilina tried their best to make a comeback, fighting for the ball and making every effort to go forward. But Chelsea kept their defence tight, despite most crucial players missing. Essien and Benayoun developed a good partnership in
midfield, which they made the most of. Even the underrated Zhirkov also made his presence felt today, he went forward at the left flank and proved to be dangerous with his crosses and through balls.
Chelsea resumed their dominance at the start of the second half, after only 3 minutes Daniel Sturridge added another one to the Blues goal tally. This time it was because of Benayoun’s tireless effort that the goal was possible, the midfielder low shot ended
at Sturridges’ feet, who expertly dodged the keeper and netted the ball in the near post. It seemed like Ancelotti’s side were on their way to one of their famous 6-0 victories, but the hosts awakened from their slumber and retaliated.
Their first and only goal of the match came at the 55th minute due to a mistake by Cech. The goal keeper punched a deep cross, which makes contact with Ivanovich’s head and is on its way over the line when Oravec kicks it, just to be sure and
to claim the goal. The pressure was well applied to let it get to that, but the goal itself was purely an error by the Chelsea goal keeper.
The goal revitalized the Slovaks and they renewed their efforts, Chelsea seemed to be stumbling but held on and a few instructions from Ancelotti at the dugout, who was visibly upset but encouraged John Terry and his men enough to maintain their defence
wall and not let in any more goals. Malouda and Kakuta were impressive for the Blues in the last few minutes of the game and the London side managed an impressive win in their opening game of the Champions League.
Starting XI
MSK Zilina: Dubravka, Guldan, Piacek, Pecalka, Mraz, Jez, Babatounde, Rilke, Ceesay, Vladavic, Oravec.
Subs: Krnac, Angelovic, Leitner, Majtan, Poliacek, Sourek, Vittor.
Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic, Alex, Terry, Zhirkov, Essien, Mikel, Benayoun, Sturridge, Anelka, Malouda.
Subs: Turnbull, Ramires, Ferreira, Kalou, Van Aanholt, Kakuta, McEachran.
Tags: