By dixon9
March 11 2009

Chelsea went through to the quarter-finals of the Champions League after a match that contained everything; a ball that crossed the goal-line but wasn’t given, a hotly contested penalty, a sending off and of course, four goals with Chelsea coming back twice from being behind.

Troy Kennedy-Martin wrote the script for the film “The Italian Job” – this match contained as much action and tension but with the difference this time of a definitive ending.

What impressed me about us most overall was that we appear to be re-discovering that air of invincibility, that resolute self-belief and particularly the capacity to respond in the face of adversity. 

It isn’t quite “Mourinhoesque” yet – but we’re getting there.

That is not to say we weren’t under the cosh at times. Juventus harried and probed for long periods but chances were few and far between. 

Hiddink had surprised everyone by starting with both Anelka and Drogba up front in a 4-1-3-2 formation (which later panned out roughly to 4-1-4-1 with Anelka drifting out and withdrawing more and more to the left) and Ranieri stuck to his word by coming at us from the off.  Both sides were about to play roles slightly out of character and this made for an intriguing encounter.

Laquinta's opening goal came like a bucket of cold water after a deft move which saw Terry turned from a wall-pass and Cech coming out fractionally late to narrow the angle.  Ranieri had achieved exactly the start he had demanded of his players before kick-off.

Chelsea concentrated on maintaining possession and as the first half drew to a close controversy reigned in a hectic final five-minute period.

Drogba lined up to take a dubious free-kick which had been awarded in our favour 25 yards out on the right hand side and his shot, struck crisply, dipped more than Buffon had anticipated.  As the Italian keeper stretched and clutched at the ball it appeared to have clearly squirmed over the line. 

Buffon had protested to the contrary but it seemed improbable that the referee would rule in his favour - but this is the Chelsea and the Champions League remember, and once again the ghost of Anfield 2005 reared its ugly head and we were to be put at a substantial disadvantage.  Those in favour of goal-line technology made another note whilst both Platini and Blatter would have winced.

God works quickly these days though – within a minute we were to draw level.

Essien had surprisingly been selected to start but perhaps unsurprisingly had been running up and down the pitch as if he had leather lungs.  Lampard crashed a long-range effort goalwards, the ball took a deflection, Buffon arched backwards, the bar shuddered and who was there running in to prod home? The Ghanaian’s smile as he celebrated was almost enough to light up the Stadio Olimpico by itself. 

Credit due to the Old Lady though, despite suffering the blow of the equaliser and the knowledge that they would now need to score two goals, they started the 2^nd half in manner clearly demonstrating they were not about to give up.  They were met with a composed Chelsea though, nevertheless, this was to prove to be an eventful 45 minutes.

Chiellini was sent off in the 71^st minute for a second yellow after felling Drogba from behind but despite Juventus´s terrier-like attitude, Chelsea looked like they were in control – right up until when a moment of idiocy raised the pulses.

From a Del Piero free-kick, Belletti was to foolishly give away a penalty by sticking his arms too far up for it to be to just protect his face.  Commotion ensued but the referee pointed to the spot.  Del Piero himself dispatched the spot-kick in classy fashion.

With Juventus down to 10 men though, tiredness set in, spaces at the back opened up.  Chelsea’s opportunities grew and in the 83^rd minute Drogba sealed the tie.

Ballack surged forward and found Belletti in too much space out on the right, his ball was squared for Drogba who outstretched, put the ball beyond Buffon.  Chelsea were through.

The following reaction from La Gazzetta pretty much summed up the evening:

"Nothing Juve could do.  They played with the heart of a lion, but were against an excellent Chelsea side playing with an easy rhythm...a team to whom losing is no disgrace." 

We now await the draw for the quarter-finals – and not bloody Liverpool or Barcelona YET AGAIN please! 

Match Highlights: 

http://www.videohighlights.net/10032009-juventus-chelsea-2-2-champions-league/ 

Note: I am currently writing up match related material as Since 66 is unfortunately unable to do so at this time.  

The Italian Job: Juventus 2 Chelsea 2 (+ Video)

Discussion started by 50 Years Over 100 Years , 11/03/2009 13:41

50 Years Over 100 Years
11/03/2009 13:41

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Since 66
11/03/2009 17:54

quality Dixie, quality

let the media and tv go overboard with Liverpool, Utd and no doubt Woolwich.

As a game, last night was brilliant as for nerves and emotion - trust me mine are shredded!!



Don't Gamble, Bet Risk Free

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dixon9
11/03/2009 18:19

Far too much time on my hands - hence the Italian job stuff!



.



"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.

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guest
11/03/2009 20:03

brilliant the way you done that


best ive seen ya play in ages

the gost of burnley has been laid to rest

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benf
12/03/2009 05:06

Vote for performance in game with Juventus:
http://www.voteplayers.com/Matches/Juventus-vs-Chelsea-03102009-2306.aspx

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