Sporting Lisbon 0-1 Chelsea – Match Report and Your Views

Chelsea survived a nervy evening at the Estádio JosĂ© Alvalade as they picked up their first three point of their European campaign with a narrow win over Sporting Lisbon. 

Chelsea picked up a vital win as they got their group stage up and running with their first win, and it was fully deserved as they were tested to the limit by a young Sporting side.

As promised by Mourinho, Diego Costa started the evening, ahead of Hazard, Oscar and Schurrle in midfield. The sitting pair were Cesc Fabregas and match winner Nemanja Matic.

Filipe Luis came in for Cesar Azpilicueta at left-back and Courtois, now firmly Chelsea’s number one, retained his place in goal.

Chelsea, on the back of a comfortable 3-0 victory over Aston Villa on Saturday, started brightly when Diego Costa’s effort on goal was smothered by Rui Patricio two minutes into the match.

Andre Schurrle had the clearest chance of the half to give Chelsea the lead after Eden Hazard’s cutback evaded Costa and fell on a plate to the German, but he could only drag in wide when it looked easier to score.

The German went on the squander a number of opportunities but kept getting into promising positions to score – a lot like Saturday afternoon at home to Villa.

However, Chelsea would have a lead to take into the break when Nemanja Matic rose to meet a Cesc Fabregas freekick and loop his header over a helpless Rui Patricio in the 33rd minute.

A deserved and well earned lead at this point looked comfortable, as Chelsea controlled the first half and were caused very few problems by Marco Silva’s Sporting team.

Chelsea kept the same side out for the start of the second half despite ongoing fears about Diego Costa’s hamstring, but the Brazilian would go on to complete the full 90 minutes as Mourinho looked to settle the three points.

Sporting Lisbon looked a changed side after the break and put Chelsea under increasing pressure, with Man United loaneee Nani having the biggest serving of Sporting’s chances and efforts on goal.

Chelsea’s best hope looked to be on the break but, with Diego Costa bearing down on goal, he was clattered by Nascimento, who actually went off injured following the incident.

Sporting Clube de Portugal v Chelsea FC - UEFA Champions League

Oscar had a golden chance to settle the game and surely would have done if he had faced any other goalkeeper, but Rui Patricio was having the game of his life as he looked to deny Chelsea a second goal.

Chelsea bought on John Obi Mikel, which all but confirms that Chelsea are looking to shut up shop, and the Nigerian made a vital block after a thunderous shot that looked to be heading towards Courtois.

Willian and Salah were also bought on for Schurrle and Hazard respectively, not only to give fresh legs to the defensive side of the team, but to also look to make the most of any counter attacking opportunities.

Nani gave Chelsea fans a scare as he rustled the side netting, but that was as close as Sporting came as they couldn’t find the all important equaliser.

As the final whistle went, despite another game of wasted opportunities and nervy moments, Mourinho will be delighted with a clean sheet away from home and the all important first win of the European campaign.

Chelsea had to adapt their game as the match progressed, from looking to play free flowing football and score maybe one or two more goals to a resolute and brave performance as Sporting grew into the game.

Chelsea now have four points in group G and face a two games against Maribor next, which Mourinho will be expecting to take maximum points from.

However, Chelsea now turn their focus to Sunday afternoon as they face London rivals Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.

Sporting Lisbon 0-1 Chelsea – Match Facts:

  • Cesc Fabregas has provided seven assists in eight games for Chelsea in all competitions so far this season
  • John Terry made his 100th CL appearance tonight – the 6th Englishman to do so
  • Sporting had been unbeaten in their previous 16 home ties in Europe before tonight
  • Chelsea have now won their last seven matches in Europe against Portuguese opposition
  • Messi is the only player to have created more chances in the Champions League this season than Cesc Fabregas
  • Possession: 49%-51%, Shots: 11-14, Chances: 6-11, On target: 3-6

Source: Opta/Squawka

Sporting Lisbon 0-1 Chelsea – Your Views: 

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