An ideal day for Maresca to test his best team out, Chelsea were fielding in their best 11 as the midfield of Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia all play and Cole Palmer will feature on the right-wing.
Chelsea were fielding in their best 11
The team sheet and the real game-play are almost two different things for Chelsea. Cole Palmer appeared to play on the left-hand side pocket and Enzo Fernandez was shifted to the Right hand side.
This switch-up immediately raised some raised eyebrows but Palmer was effective after a long while as he was able to get hold of the ball for a good time.
Chelsea were playing in a 3-4-2-1
What looked like an easy task for Maresca to put in the best players in every position turned out to be a tactical masterclass as it appeared Chelsea were playing in a 3-4-2-1. Reece James was a part of the 3 man defence also featuring Colwill and Badiashile. Cucurella and Pedro Neto were playing as the wing backs.
The 1st half was a strong display by Chelsea as they kept most of the ball with 62% possession and 7 shots. But failed to capitalise on the chances as Marc Cucurella and Cole Palmer came close to scoring but Trubin denied them with superb saves.
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midfield duo of Caicedo and Lavia was everywhere
Benfica looked lack-lustre in the 1st half as they were not able to keep the ball for long as the midfield duo of Caicedo and Lavia was everywhere and also the ever-agile Marc Cucurella was quick onto loose balls in case of counter-attacks.
The 2nd half started with the same energy as both the teams took the same stance, Chelsea were good on the ball and Benfica were just happy that the scorecard read 0-0.
The first goal came in the 64th minute in the form of a beautiful free-kick from Reece James, who beat the keeper on the near post and it needed some magic from the Chelsea skipper to go through the Trubin wall of Benfica.
The game became very predictable after the goal as Chelsea were happy in keeping the ball and trying for another while Benfica were ready to break whenever a situation for counter-attack arrived.
The game was stopped in the 86th minute, due to adverse weather conditions.
And this was the turning point of the match. The game was resumed after 2 hours and much to the delight of Benfica, they were awarded a penalty after deliberation from VAR. Angel Di Maria passed the ball into the net and made it 1-1 in injury time.
Calling for Extra-time in the match
The fun did not stop there, Prestianni received a second yellow card at the 92nd minute meaning Benfica were reduced to 10 men on the field. The first half of the extra time became end to end as Chelsea kept most of the ball but Benfica started launching lethal counters.
The second half saw Benfica switch off and probably the tired legs take toll on the players.
108′- Nkunku
114′- Pedro Neto
117′- Dewsbury Hall
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Chelsea ran riot in the second half of the extra time and finished the craziest match of the knockouts with a one-sided ending.
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