Overview
Chelsea gritted out a hard-fought 2-0 win to firmly plant one foot in the semi-finals of the Champions League. The game was not pretty and Porto were arguably the better team for large stretches of the game but two moments of magic, from Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell sealed the deal for Tuchel’s men.
Chelsea started the game slowly and allowed Porto to gain a foothold before Mount produced an exceptional turn and finish to snatch the lead. Porto continued to create threatening chances and called Mendy and the defence into action multiple times.
After some back-and-forth between the two teams, Chilwell put the game to rest by creating a goal out of nothing and showing a level of composure that would make the best strikers in the world proud. Job done, game won and even though the performance was not good, the team have done enough to secure its first trip to the semis in seven years.
Match statistics
Statistics from fbref and wyscout.
Note: some statistics on the player charts might not corroborate with those presented in the “stats of note” sections. This is because the stats for the charts are obtained from a different source and not fbref. In most cases, the differences will be minimal — such as Mendy having 1 cross collected according to fbref and 2 according to Opta.
Individual ratings
Thomas Tuchel
The starting XI did not have their intended effect, with the team second best for large stretches of the game. The changes made were slightly bizarre too. While the need to sub off Havertz and Werner was obvious, bringing on Giroud, a player who has shown strong signs of decline in general play, was surprising and did not work out.
The team’s performance was concerning and encouraging in equal parts. Positives include the team winning despite being second-best in a big game, which is a much-needed improvement. No team will ever dominate every big game and some “suffering” is most certainly needed.
However, we have not played well for three consecutive games now and we cannot keep grinding out results. Eventually, results will start reflecting the poor performances. The team’s complete inability to create chances of note from open play during even game-states is another point of concern too. (Even though it appears Chelsea “created” more than Porto (1.5 xG to 1 xG), 0.9 of our tally came from Chilwell’s goal.) This is mainly borne out of the team’s ultra-passive possession play and unless the defence plays at a very high level (which has not been the case over the last three games), it is not a justifiable approach.
RATING: 6.5
Édouard Mendy
Bounced back strongly from the West Brom game. Made a set of crucial interventions in different forms — saves, crosses collected and punched clearances. His save off in the 1v1 against Marega in particular was crucial in ensuring the win.
Stats of note
5 saves (all 5 from inside the box)
1 cross claimed (6 crosses faced)
1 clearance
7 loose-ball recoveries - Joint 2nd among Chelsea players
RATING: 8
Reece James
Was excellent defensively, locking down Porto’s threats down the left for large stretches of the game. His passing was broadly fine without being spectacular, though his crossing certainly would’ve deserved an assist.
Stats of note
5 progressive passes - 1st
5 tackles - 1st
2 interceptions - Joint 1st
6 clearances - Joint 1st
5 progressive carries - 2nd
7 loose-ball recoveries - Joint 2nd
12 pressures - Joint 3rd
2 aerial duels won (2 contested) - Joint 3rd
RATING: 7.5
César Azpilicueta
Defended well in the box, making crucial blocks and getting on the end of second-balls. However, his defending outside the box and his overall passing display were very poor both statistically and on the eye test.
Stats of note
3 shots blocked - 1st
2 touches in penalty box - Joint 1st
2 carries into final third - 3rd
4 progressive carries - Joint 3rd
2 aerial duels won (6 contested) - Joint 3rd
RATING: 6
Andreas Christensen
Had a routine night at the office, carrying out his tasks with virtually no fuss on either side of the ball.
Stats of note
5 aerial duels won (5 contested) - 1st
8 loose-ball recoveries - 1st
6 clearances - Joint 1st
4 passes into final third - 2nd
RATING: 7
Antonio Rüdiger
Was the team’s best means of ball progression from central defence to midfield. Outside one moment where he allowed Marega to get into a 1v1 situation against Mendy, he was alright defensively.
Stats of note
15 pressures - 2nd
4 carries into final third - 2nd
2 passes into final third - 3rd
4 progressive carries - Joint 3rd
2 aerial duels won (3 contested) - Joint 3rd
RATING: 6.5
Ben Chilwell
Capped off a satisfactory performance by creating a goal through sheer persistence. His tackles and recoveries close to our own box were crucial in stemming the tide when Porto tried to assert themselves.
Stats of note
1 goal
19 pressures - 1st
2 successful dribbles (4 attempted) - 1st
6 clearances - Joint 1st
2 shot-creating actions - 2nd
4 tackles - 2nd
7 loose-ball recoveries - Joint 2nd
RATING: 7.5
Mateo Kovačić
Like against West Brom, Kovacic led the team on the ball. Even if some of his passes were not executed perfectly, his overall display was commendable. Had a mixed bag defensively, getting caught out often without the ball. Thankfully, Porto failed to score from those situations.
Stats of note
4 shot-creating actions - 1st
6 passes into final third - 1st
2 key passes - 1st
9 progressive carries - 1st
5 carries into final third - 1st
4 progressive passes - 2nd
RATING: 7
Jorginho
Was very poor on the ball outside the assist, putting up just 1 progressive pass and 1 pass into the final third. Got exposed defensively too, with Porto exploiting his defensive weakness along with Kovacic’s by actively engaging them in duels. Jorginho got dribbled past 4 times and Kovacic 3 times, making up 50% of the team’s tally.
Stats of note
1 assist
2 interceptions - Joint 1st
3 progressive passes received - Joint 1st
3 tackles - 3rd
12 pressures - Joint 3rd
RATING: 5.5
Mason Mount
Had a quiet game outside two moments — a fantastic goal and a good chance created for Werner. Could not progress our attacking play the way he usually does.
Stats of note
1 goal
2 touches in penalty box - Joint 1st
3 progressive passes received - Joint 1st
RATING: 6.5
Kai Havertz
Was starved of service, leading to an anonymous display where most of his touches came in harmless locations. While he has received plenty of criticism, his prior displays as a centre-forward provide some encouragement. It is harsh to judge him based on a game like this.
Stats of note
3 aerial duels won (5 contested) - 1st
RATING: 5.5
Timo Werner
Just like Havertz, he did not have the best conditions to succeed and missed the only chance that was created for him. He could have done better in showing for the ball and was often caught in awkward locations between Havertz, Chilwell and Kovacic. A break from starting, allowing other players to start, could benefit all parties.
Stats of note
N/A
RATING: 5.5
Substitutes
Christian Pulisic (65th minute) — Let rip of a rasping shot late in the goal, one that deserved a goal. Looked very involved, if not always successful.
Olivier Giroud (65th minute) — Was brought on to provide a presence and failed to do so.
N’Golo Kanté (80th minute) — Was brought on to settle the game and did so.
Thiago Silva (80th minute) — Same as Kanté.
Emerson Palmieri (92nd minute) - Nothing of note.