Chelsea have qualified for the 1/8th finals of the Champions League with great fanfare. After the 4-0 against Juventus, it is even suddenly in pole position for the group win. Lukaku stayed on the bench at Chelsea, the young Koni De Winter got his debut for Juve.
Chelsea – Juventus in a nutshell:
- Key moment: Early in the 2nd half, Chelsea put the game in a decisive fold. Reece James made it 2-0 in the 56th minute and Callum Hudson-Odoi also scored 2 minutes later.
- Man of the match: Much danger came from Reece James’ feet. He tested goalkeeper Szczesny several times and eventually also scored his goal.
- Remarkable: In the 80th minute, the number 45 flashes in green on the substitutions board. Koni De Winter was allowed to make his debut for Juventus by his coach Allegri. The 19-year-old Belgian came in to replace Juan Cadrado and played a few minutes at right back.
Chelsea strings together the chances
“We can select him, but only to make some minutes at the end of the game. That is the maximum.” Thomas Tuchel was clear about Romelu Lukaku’s playing opportunities. The Red Devil was fit enough to take a seat on the bench. He was only too eager to make his first minutes after he was injured against Malmö on November 2.
Also on that other bench was a compatriot in training outfit. Koni De Winter was given a place in the match selection of the “Old Lady” by coach Allegri.
Juventus were already certain of qualifying, Chelsea were not. That it was necessary for the home team was also apparent from the game. “The Blues” were dominant and also caused the most danger. Chilwell kicked once and James tested Szczesny’s free kick reflexes.
It was just before half an hour. Chalobah’s feet fell after a corner kick, who didn’t hesitate: 1-0. At Juventus they had seen hands from Rüdiger, but the VAR saw no flaws in it.
What did Juventus do in return? Immediately after that goal, Morata was able to outwit goalkeeper Mendy. Thiago Silva was there like the chickens to foil the 1-1. No equalizer, but almost the 2-0. On the other side, James had a good shot, Szczesny’s save was even better.
Home team hits Juventus completely against the canvas
After the coffee, Chelsea just kept going. Early in the 2nd half, the home team knocked the “Bianconeri” hard against the canvas. Reece James hit hard with the right and now Szczesny didn’t have a great save in the house. 2 minutes later, the Polish goalkeeper was allowed to turn around again. Hudson-Odoi put the ball into the net.
The match was played. Juventus was really nowhere on the offensive side and had to undergo the law of the strongest.
Then came a good moment for Koni De Winter. Allegri made the 19-year-old Belgian substitute for Cuadrado in the 80th minute. However, nothing changed about the game. Chelsea were even able to make it 4-0 after McKennie misjudged a high ball. Timo Werner could just tap in.
Due to the convincing victory, Chelsea is suddenly in the lead in group H. It has as many points as Juventus, but has scored more often in the mutual duels.
