Chelsea’s First Champions League game saw the Blues beat Bundesliga runners-up Bayer Leverkusen.
David Luiz and Juan Mata both scored their first Champions League goals for Chelsea, both came from two great assists by Fernando Torres.
Chelsea were solid at the back and created many chances – It was a different looking Chelsea side without Frank Lampard and John Terry starting. But even so, the Blues put together a solid performance and showed that they have quality and depth in the squad.
Petr Cech captained the side and Michael Ballack a former Blue was given a standing ovation by the Stamford Bridge faithful when he was substituted – A great reception for a great player who will always be remembered fondly by Chelsea fans.
Match Analysis
Overall, it was a great all-round performance from the Blues, we defended well, apart from a few scares from the opposition including shots from ex-Chelsea player Ballack and their summer signing Schurrle.
Both teams had goals disallowed with Miereles being flagged offside after Torres had scored and for the Germans, the referee judged that Mikel had been fouled.
Last match’s goal-scorer Daniel Sturridge put together yet another great performance. He had a volley saved and his quick movement, tricks and flair constantly troubled the Bayer back four.
Juan Mata also troubled defenders with his movement. He had chances to score, including a shot that went over bar after a pass from Anelka who had come on in the second-half.
Mata sealed the win for the blues with his 90th minute strike, which was his 2nd goal for the club. Before the match, Fernando Torres had grabbed the headlines for the wrong reasons for his reported comments about the team being ‘old’ and ‘very slow’ in an interview. After the match, manager Andre Villas Boas said ‘the situation is solved.’ Soon after kick-off Torres had three chances to score but couldn’t capitalize. They included a hooked volley which just went over the goal post. It was a good performance by Torres who assisted the two goals, but was unlucky when his flicked shot wasn’t allowed as Miereles was offside.
Some defenders are shy to come forward and are pretty comfortable staying at the back and doing their job. Even if they come forward, they are quick to return to their positions. But, when you give David Luiz some time and space you are going to get punished and that’s what happened to Bayer – Luiz’s superb strike opened the scoring. The defender was returning from a thigh injury and playing his first match for the club since May. It was the defender’s third goal for Chelsea and his first in the Champions League on and on his Chelsea debut in the competition. It’s right to say he has established himself as a great defender with excellent finishing skills and who would disagree after the defender has already scored important goals for the club against Manchester Utd, Man City and now against Leverkusen.
At just 24 , Luiz has a lot to offer the team in the coming years and there’s no doubt he’s won the hearts of many fans already, some people were spotted in the crowd wearing his trademark hair wig. Welcome back David Luiz.
In conclusion, another great win for the Blues, especially before the big match against Manchester United and a great start in our quest of becoming European champions.
By Chelsea4girls’ Zoya Sami
Twitter @chelsea4girls