Chelsea 0-0 Sevilla
Points were shared in the Group E of the Champions League, as Chelsea and Sevilla were held to a goalless draw last night at the Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea, whose defence was concerning over the last few matches, showed their resolve and grit by thwarting Sevilla in their attempt to create attacking opportunities all evening.
Europa League winners Sevilla, who have been a thorn on the side of Premier League clubs, also contained Chelsea’s offencive threats in a game that didn’t produce much Champions League 2020 highlights.
Last night marked the first time ever that Frank Lampard fielded all his summer signings in the same starting lineup.
However, while they were showing individual flashes of brilliance, the eye test clearly indicates that the Blues will have their work cut out for them to try and find what works for their expensively assembled jigsaw puzzle.
On the other hand, Julen Lopetegui’s side showed once more that they are a handful to deal with in the big stage, although a win here could’ve dramatically increased their Champions League 2020 odds of advancing to the later rounds.
Despite the lack of goals, it was still a good game nonetheless. And today, SBOTOP recaps last night’s action.
Highlights of the game
Initially, I thought that this will be a high-scoring match as both of these teams were expected to miss some notable defenders.
Jules Kounde had to sit out for Sevilla as he tested positive for the coronavirus, which was a big blow to their backline.
As for Chelsea, it was unclear at first on who they will start at the goalkeeper position since they had limited options.
Kepa Arrizabalaga is still in Frank Lampard’s doghouse, while Willy Caballero is not exactly a promising replacement. So it came as a surprise when Chelsea added their technical director Petr Cech in their lineup.
It’s a good thing for them, however, that their new signing in Edouard Mendy was fit to play again and he made the most out of his opportunity when he was the main man between the sticks.
“The way he’s played, he’s played very well. That’s two clean sheets from him already. As it stands he is the number one but that’s always up for grabs,” said Frank Lampard during the postgame interview.
Mendy showed his class right away when the parried away Nemanja Gudelj’s header at the 18th minute after it had brushed off Kurt Zouma’s torso.
Nine minutes later, Mendy came to the rescue once more when he thwarted Suso’s cross when Chelsea defenders were outnumbered.
Timo Werner would almost score for Chelsea when he received a lovely through ball in the counterattack. However, he couldn’t muster a decent shot as the pass went a bit too wide.
The former Leipzig striker had another decent chance few minutes later when he would launch the ball inside the penalty area, but it was a routine save from Yassine Bounou.
Towards the end of the first half, Lucas Ocampos found himself free inside the box but his low shot was blocked by Edouard Mendy.
Chelsea came out much more aggressive in the second half but they couldn’t capitalise on their opportunities.
Kurt Zouma connected on a header from Ben Chilwell’s corner kick, but Nemanja Gudelj got in the way for the deflection which led to a Yassine Bounou save. The centre-back would have one more header attempt but it missed the mark again.
Sevilla’s closest attempt at a goal came at the 67th minute when substitute Joan Jordan chipped a shot on the right side, but his attempt brushed the roof of the net.
Fatigue was clearly setting in for both teams as neither increased their tempo. The last 15 minutes turned into a midfield muddle between these two sides.
Key statistics
This fixture spelled defence all over as neither team got great looks at the goal.
Chelsea recorded just six shots which is their fewest attempts in a Champions League match since February 2015 against Paris Saint-Germain (2). This was their first goalless draw under Frank Lampard.
The Blues have won just one of their last 10 Champions League matches against La Liga sides (D6, L3).
Sevilla only had five total shots and they remain undefeated in the first match of their last five Champions League campaigns (W2, D3).
Julen Lopetegui’s side has failed to win any of their past five road matches in the group stages of the Champions League (D4, L1).
What’s next?
Chelsea visit Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday in their next Premier League fixture.
Meanwhile, Sevilla will host Eibar in their next La Liga fixture on Saturday too at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium.
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