Blues lose to sensational goal, but in Champions League semi-final with 2-1 aggregate win over Porto

By Paul Lagan

Chelsea 0 v Porto 1

Chelsea are into the semi-finals of the Champions League for the first time since 2014 after losing 1-0 against Porto tonight, but win 2-1 on aggregate.

A sensational bicycle kick by substitute Taremi deep into added time illuminated what was in fact a terrible football match.

It was never going to be a classic, in fact it was as dour and drab as can be, but that’s the way Chelsea set up and it almost backfired in spectacular fashion.

Chelsea will face the winner’s of tomorrow’s match at Anfield where Real Madrid take a 3-1 first leg lead.

The opening exchanges were devoid of any goal-scoring attempts by either side, but on 11 minutes, Mendy made a hash of a clearance and Corona latched onto the ball. Thankfully Jorginho was alert and managed to close the midfielder down to the point where his shot was deflected away for a corner.

The away side dominated possession, pushing Chelsea back, closing down any space they created.

The west Londoners first effort saw Reece James drive a low shot across gol and wide on 19 minutes after a quick counter-attack.

There were no changes by Thomas Tuchel at half-time.

Christian Pulisic had an excellent chance on 58 minutes, when the Blues, once again broke quickly, but the USA winger failed to strike the ball cleanly and it drifted harmlessly away from danger.

Chelsea were a bit loose in defence on 65 minutes, thankfully, Mendy was able to get down low to his left to snaffle a header from substitute Taremi.

With five minutes left on the clock, Tuchel decided to make a change, bringing on Hakim Ziyech on for Mason Mount. He was quickly followed by Olivier Giroud with Havertz making way.

Pulisic should have scored in added time, but goalkeeper Monteiro blocked the effort from the edge of the penalty area.

Then, deep into the third minute of four added, Taremi took advantage of. Long ball from the byline and crashed his overhead kick high and wide of a shocked-looking Mendy.

Teams: Chelsea, Mendy, Azpilicueta, Silva, Rudiger, Chilwell, Jorginho, Mount, Havertz, Pulisic, James, Kante

Subs: Caballero, Kepa, Christensen, Zouma, Alonso, Emerson, Hudson-Odoi, Ziyech, Abraham, Giroud, Werner

Porto, Marchesin, Manafa Janco, Mbemba, Pepe, Sanusi, Oliveira, Grujic, Uribe, Corona, Marega, Otavio

Sub: Monteiro, Pinto Leite, Loum, Diaz, Taremi, Morris Ramos, Silva Baro, Martinez, de Lima Barbosa, Chipela Gomes, Sarr, Vieira, Conceicao,

Referee: Clement Turpin