A defeat in the second leg of the quarter-final meeting with FC Porto does not deter Chelsea’s progression further into the Champions League with the Blues joining Paris Saint-Germain as two of the four semi-finalists.
Mehdi Taremi’s superb strike in stoppage time only salvaged a win in the return leg for FC Porto with Sérgio Conceição’s men losing the two-legged tie 2-1 on aggregate after last week’s defeat to Thomas Tuchel’s outfit.
MATCH PROCEEDINGS
The Blues enjoyed upper footing in the opening minutes of the midweek showdown and came close to their opening goal through Mason Mount’s effort which went wide of the post.
It was not a half enjoyed by either side on the attacking front but Chelsea’s counter-attacks led by the likes Christian Pulisic and the returning N’Golo Kante provided some spark to an otherwise dull display.
Just before the half-time whistle FC Porto’s Jesus Corona had his effort through on goal with an awkward volleyed attempt which did not trouble Chelsea No.1 Mendy in the slighest as it sailed over the bar.
Second half proceedings were quite similar to what was on show in the opening 45 minutes with Chelsea’s solid defensive display allowing them to withhold preassure from the FC Porto frontline.
Mehdi Taremi was brought off the bench for the Liga Nos giants and the striker immedialty got to business as his header on goal, FC Porto’s first shot on target ,was collected with ease by Mendy.
But the Porto forward produced a moment of sheer brillaince as his incredible bicycle kick found the top corner of Mendy’s goal, rendering the Blues goalie helpess in his attempts to keep a clean sheat, as Conceição’s side grabbed a 1-0 lead which came a bit too late as the full-time whistle just minutes later meant that Tuchel and Chelsea were ensured of their place in the Champions League semi-finals.
