Categories: Chelsea

Chelsea through as group winners after beating Porto

Chelsea 2 Porto 0


Willian delivered once again for Chelsea, who clinched a place in the knockout stage of the Champions League as Group G winners.

The Brazilian was one of the Blues’ stand-out performers and doubled their lead after Ivan Marcano’s first-half own goal.

Needing a point to guarantee their progression, Jose Mourinho’s side, who have lost three of their last five home league matches, got the all-important opening goal after 12 minutes.

Diego Costa, back in the starting line-up, was put through by Eden Hazard and after the striker’s shot was blocked by keeper Iker Casillas the rebound hit Marcano and crossed the line despite Bruno Martins Indi’s attempt to clear.

And Willian struck seven minutes into the second half, finding space near the right-hand edge of the penalty area and drilling home after being teed up by Hazard – his seventh goal of the season.

Porto, whose defeat coupled with Dynamo’s Kiev win against Maccaci Tel Aviv sent Mourinho’s former club out of the tournament, rallied late on and Thibaut Courtois produced a good save to deny Jesus Corona.

But Chelsea were resounding winners and almost netted a third when Hazard fired against the base of the post.

Chelsea: Courtois; Ivanovic, Zouma, Terry, Azpilicueta; Ramires, Matic; Willian, Oscar (Pedro 80), Hazard (Remy 90); Costa (Mikel 86).

This post was last modified on 11/12/2015

David McIntyre
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David McIntyre