Chelsea 4-4 Ajax
The Stamford Bridge was rocking as the home team managed to mount a stirring comeback against Ajax from 4-1 down to earn a crucial point for their ongoing campaign in the Champions League.
This match provided us fans with a lot more of the best Champions League 2019 highlights as compared to their reverse fixture few weeks ago.
Ajax were seemingly in control of the match in the 55th minute when Donny van de Beek scored their fourth goal of the evening to put them up 4-1. However, Chelsea dug deep to unleash a late flurry that involved a lot of drama as well.
Both sides had their fair share of chances to break the deadlock at the last few minutes. But in the end, Chelsea and Ajax had to settle for a draw which leaves for a complicated race for the top spot in Group H.
Chelsea, Ajax, and Valencia are all tied with seven points in Group H, and none of these teams appear to be the heavily favoured by our Champions League 2019 odds of making it to the next round.
As always, SBOBET is here to help you re-live the notable highlights of this thrilling matchup.
Highlights of the game
If the match’s first five minutes were any indication, it’s that we’re in for an exciting high-scoring affair.
Just under the first two minutes, Quincy Promes’ free-kick at the left side found its way to the back of the net when Tammy Abraham’s foot was in the way for the unfortunate deflection for the Blues. Nonetheless, it was a spectacular strike by Promes to put the Dutch champions up 1-0.
The Blues would have their chance a minute later, when Christian Pulisic went down after a silly tackle by an Ajax defender for a penalty kick. The American forward just calmly kicked the ball in for the equaliser.
Chelsea would’ve taken the lead during the 14th minute when Mateo Kovacic found a cutting Tammy Abraham towards the box. The latter scored off an easy finish, but the referees didn’t count it as it was ruled an offside.
Instead, Ajax were the one who took the lead when Hakim Ziyech launched a beautiful cross and Quincy Promes headed one in past the hands of Kepa Arrizabalaga in the 20th minute.
Hakim Ziyech tried the same play six minutes later, but the ball went a bit too wide on the left post. However, he would make up for it quickly when he let out a rocket of an attempt in the 35th minute via a free kick and the ball just curved inside the post for another goal. Kepa Arrizabalaga was inches away to block the shot, but the ball just hit his head for Chelsea’s second own-goal.
The home team tried to draw level right away with multiple attempts towards the end of the first half However, Andre Onana was always there to clean it up for the Dutch champions.
Chelsea continued to push the pace right as the second half whistle sounded, which includes a running Tammy Abraham for a possible goal. But once again, Andre Onana saved the day for Ajax.
Those misses proved costly for Chelsea as Donny van de Beek scored a clinical finish for Ajax after he was left wide open inside the penalty area. Fans over at Stamford Bridge were left stunned and they were desperately finding something to cheer about.
After urging their men to keep on attacking, the Blues finally netted their second goal of the evening when Cesar Azpilicueta put in the ball at the 62nd minute.
Momentum suddenly went to the home team’s way when Ajax defenders Daley Blind and Joel Veltman were sent off the field after incurring two yellow cards each. That left Ajax to nine men, and Chelsea pounced on the opportunity.
Jorginho scored the subsequent penalty after the send off to pull them closer, 4-3, and the crowd was slowly getting back into the game.
The Blues would finally get their redemption at the 74th minute when Willian’s corner kick found its way to Reece James for a quick finish. James was at the right place when his teammate’s header just hit the crossbar and the crowd was in pandemonium.
They almost stole the game away for good when their captain Azpilicueta’s late goal was overruled by the VAR and Michy Batshuayi had his chance. But nonetheless, it was a satisfying result for the home crowd as they were treated to a wonderful show.
Key statistics
The ejection of Daley Blind and Joel Veltman proved costly for Ajax as they were left with nine men in the field for the match’s last 20 minutes.
The Blues are the third English club in the Champions League history to have come back from at least three goals behind to avoid defeat since Liverpool back in May 2005 versus AC Milan.
What’s next?
The Dutch champions will go back home to host Utrecht in their next Dutch Eredivisie fixture on Sunday, while Chelsea get to host Crystal Palace on their EPL match on Saturday.
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