So we know already girls that football is a game of 2 halves, well at this stage in The Champions League, (Last 16) its a game of 2 legs.. a home leg and an away leg for each team.
Going into the match with a 2-0 lead from the previous game against Copenhagen, Chelsea already had an advantage that would be difficult to beat. Those 2 all important away goals were in the bag, 3 goals from the Danish club would be needed for them to progress to the last 8 in the competion.
The atmosphere was its usual upbeat self at Stamford Bridge, as not only was the pressure of actually winning a trophy this season prominent in the players and fans’ minds, they also had to contend with the Danes playing in shocking Barbie pink. If that’s not enough to put anyone off…….
The first half was a pretty even affair (despite Chelsea’s more superior squad) Ashley Cole, of all players having a few chances on goal.
Copenhagen managed to find their feet and after 26 minutes N’Doye’s fantastic 25-yard free-kick caught a stunned Petr Cech standing like the Statue of Liberty, as the ball whizzed past him but hit the woodwork.
Chelsea should in theory have put away first half chance, however both teams entered the tunnel at half time all square at 0-0.
A fiery and action packed start to the second half. Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka in the midst of it, however the score sheet stayed level.
Such missed chances lead to the inclusion of the £50 million man himself, Fernando Torres as he replaced Anelka.
With eyes all on him, Torres to the delight of every Chelsea fan and a certain M?r? ?Ancelotti, immediately made an impression, slowly looking like a striker easing back into form.
Copenhagen had few efforts on target with Santin’s cheeky attempt on goal with 5 minutes to spare, being the closest they had come to getting on the score sheet.
However it wasn’t enough to break the deadlock, and Chelsea’s away goals were enough to put them through 2-0 on aggregate.
The final ball just didn’t fall for Copenhagen tonight, as their Champoins League dream, ended at The Bridge.
However it was a night of missed chances for Chelsea and with the likes of Man Utd, Real Madrid and Barcelona to contend with, their future opponents will no doubt be less lienient.
Champions League Draw Last 8: Friday (18th March) 2011
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