UEFA Champions League – Second half report: Olympique Marseille versus Chelsea
To read the first half report, click http://www.senore.com/UEFA-Champions-League-Half-time-report-Olympique-Marseille-versus-Chelsea-a46941.
Following their disappointing display in the first half of the match, Chelsea came to the party in the second half as Florent Malouda was played by Josh McEachran. It was an amazing pass by the young midfielder, to find the French
midfielder, who cut inside and then tried his luck on the Marseille goal, but the final shot by the former Lyon player was a tame one as the home side regained possession. In the 50th minute of the match, Mathieu Valbuena was on hand in front of
Chelsea’s goal but he was pulled down by Branislav Ivanovic.
The referee was obviously incensed at the tackle, but he kept his cards inside his pocket as Marseille only got a free kick. The ensuing set piece was not a well executed one by Marseille as Chelsea defended admirably. All throughout
the night, Chelsea were quite organized and disciplined in attack.
Despite the fact that they did not control the ball as much, Chelsea did their bit as far as the defence of their own goal was concerned. In the 59th minute, Valbuena crossed the ball into Chelsea’s penalty area, it
was Fabrice Abriel who connected with the header, but his effort was wide of the mark as Chelsea were let off the hook yet again. In the 61st minute, Chelsea and Marseille both made their first changes of the match as Daniel Sturridge replaced Didier
Drogba for the London club and Lucho Gonzalez replaced Valbuena for the home side.
Valbuena was given a standing ovation by the home crowd as he went off the field, as he was one of Marseille’s standout players for the night. Drogba was also applauded as the striker made his return to his former club, but failed
to make an impact. Lucho Gonzalez almost made an immediate impact on the proceedings as he took Marseille’s corner in the 64th minute as he played it straight to Taye Taiwo, who took a first time shot which was deflected out for another corner.
In the 71st minute, Chelsea made another change as Jeffrey Bruma replaced John Terry. In the 79th minute, Chelsea made their last change of the match as Patrick van Aanholt replaced Malouda.
In the 81st minute, Marseille struck first blood as finally Brandao scored for the home side. After Taiwo’s shot was deflected off Ramires, Brandao pounced on the opportunity as he toe poked the ball home. The goal clearly
shocked Chelsea, who improved in the second half from their first half performance, but Marseille’s goal was a wake call up for Carlo Ancelotti. However, in the end, Chelsea could not reignite their chances of winning the match with a comeback as Marseille
won it by a singular goal at the conclusion.
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