Champions League: Chiesa offers Juventus the scalp of champion Chelsea

Published on : 09/29/2021 – 22:51

An injury had deprived him of the first day of the Champions League and the quiet match of Juventus in Sweden against Malmö, on September 14 (3-0) in Group H. Back on his feet, Federico Chiesa was well established in the kick off of the European shock against Chelsea, Wednesday 29 September. In the absence of Alvaro Morata and Paulo Dybala, unavailable, and with Moïse Kean on the substitute bench, the Italian had a card to play against the Blues. And he didn’t miss it.

In an overheated Juventus Stadium, the Old Lady gave the title holders control of the ball during the first act but still provided the best opportunity. By betting on blocks, the Turinese first worried the London rearguard by Chiesa, well placed to intercept a pass from Marcos Alonso. But once in the box, the attacker did not target (20th). A first failed attempt before the punishment.

From the start of the second half, Juve turned this shock to their advantage. Chelsea, picked cold, gave in after only 10 seconds of play. Found in the back of Thiago Silva by Federico Bernardeschi, Federico Chiesa took Antonio Rüdiger speed before releasing a heavy shot under the bar (46th). What frustrate Thomas Tuchel and his men, dominators in the game but now led to the score.

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri hasn’t changed his effective plan. Chelsea have put their foot on the leather a little more against Piedmontese applied to defend this advantage. The substitutions made by the visitors did not change the appearance of the match. The tactical discipline and impermeability of Juve left no room for the Blues, as evidenced by these figures: Romelu Lukaku and his partners struck on goal 13 times, for only one shot on target. In the 83rd, the Belgian striker received the ball well in an interesting position, but pressure from Leonardo Bonucci and the exit of Wojciech Szczesny prevented him from framing his missile.

With this precious victory, Juve alone takes the lead in Group H with 6 points out of 6. Second place is occupied by the Russians from Zenith Saint Petersburg, who earlier swept Malmö (4-0). Chelsea are third, with 3 points like the Zenith but a poorer goal difference (+3 for the Zenith, 0 for Chelsea). The Blues are going through a delicate moment after their home loss to Manchester City in the Premier League last weekend. Malmö brings up the rear with no points in two matches.