Notes On A 0-2 Loss Vs Chelsea A Champions League Debacle

All three of Krunic, Bennacer and Tonali started in what looked like a 4-3-3. A similar set up had provided a solid win versus Juventus on the weekend.

The game look anything but secure however. On the 18th minutes the hopes were seriously dented when a poor Tomori gave away a penalty. The penalty may have been harsh but the red accompanying it was even more so. Questionable defending and goalkeeping made any salvage operation harder when Mason Mount found Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who ran into the box and doubled Chelsea’s lead. Dest replaced Diaz to try to limit the damage.

The 0-2 half time deficit at home was a stark reminder of the gulf between the Serie A and the Champions League.

Rebic and Pobega replacing Giroud and Bennacer changed little. Ballo-Toure and Origi came on with 10 minutes remaining as a white flag type substitutions with Theo and Leao getting a small rest. Origi had a tame shot on goal as added time was starting and it was perhaps as good as it got.

The game ended tamely and Champions League progress chances while not dead didn’t look convincing.