Flashback: FC Basel 1-0 Chelsea

Article by Chelsea Correspondent Robert Wake

That Chelsea qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League tonight was where the good news ended following an abject performance against a spirited and lively Basel outfit at St Jakob Park. Chelsea began badly, and frankly never improved in a performance that was in stark contrast to the weekend victory at West Ham.

Jose Mourinho, doubtless heartened by the display at The Hammers made only one change to the starting line-up, with Willian replacing Eden Hazard, in the belief that The Blues would find some sort of consistency. From the first whistle that never looked likely. Basel’s were much the hungrier and began on the front foot, penning Chelsea back with a series of threatening attacks. But for the alertness of Petr Cech, Chelsea could have been four down at the break, as The Blues custodian saved well from Valentin Stocker, Fabien Frei, and Mohamed Salah, while John Obi Mikel cleared off the line from Ivan Ivanov’s glancing header. Chelsea rarely threatened, and lost Samuel Eto’o after 39 minutes when the Cameroon international appeared to damage his groin when stretching to control a through ball. Fernando Torres, himself returning from injury came on to replace him.

Chelsea appeared better organised at the start of the second period, but continued to be sloppy and wasteful in possession, repeatedly hitting aimless long balls and surrendering the initiative to their Swiss opponents. Hazard replaced Oscar, but still Chelsea failed to create a chance worthy of the name; Indeed, the visitors failed to test Yann Sommer for the entire 90 minutes!

The game seemed to be meandering towards a goalless draw until the 86th minute. Willian made way for Kevin De Bruyne, and as he came on, Chelsea fatally switched off. A long hopeful ball from Fabian Schar caught Branislav Ivanovic napping, and Salah sprinted into the acres of space behind him to coolly finish beyond Cech. 1-0 and game over. Chelsea had no time to respond to this late blow and were duly punished for a display lacking spirit, conviction and any sort of urgency.

Schalke’s failure to beat Steaua Bucharest in Romania allowed Chelsea to take their place in the last 16, and they should go on to win the group with victory over Steaua at Stamford Bridge in a fortnight’s time, but this performance left us with more questions than answers.

FC Basel: Sommer, Voser, Schar, Ivanov, Xhaka (Ajeti 71), Serey Die, Salah, Elneny, Frei, Stocker (Sauro 90+2), Streller (Sio 77)

Goal: Salah 86

Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta, Ramires, Mikel, Lampard, Willian (De Bruyne 86),Eto’o (Torres 39), Oscar (Hazard 55)

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