Chelsea bounce back in style, pick up vital away win over FC Porto

Chelsea defeated Portuguese outfit, FC Porto in their UEFA Champions League quarterfinal first leg at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium in Seville. The Blues, who were the away side on the night secured a 2-0 victory with goals from Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell.

Following their 5-2 home loss at the hands of West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, Thomas Tuchel made a number of changes, including restoring Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell to the starting XI. Chelsea controlled the game, holding the ball for long periods in the game but they could not create chances and were pinned back by an adventurous Porto side who looked set to take the game to them. The game was finally sparked into life by a moment of pure inspiration from English midfielder, Mason Mount. Mount received the ball from Jorginho on the edge of the penalty area on the half turn, and with a drop of his shoulder, left Porto defender Zaidu Sanusi sprawled across the deck before firing a fierce shot across the goalkeeper to open the scoring with his first career Champions League goal. Mount’s goal was the difference at halftime. In the second half, Chelsea keeper Edouard Mendy had to take charge, making a number of vital stops and interventions as the Blues kept Porto at bay. Christian Pulisic almost added a second after his introduction off the bench, but was denied by the underside of the bar after he beat the keeper with a rasping drive. Chelsea’s second goal eventually came from left back Ben Chilwell as he combined tenacity, composure and pace. A Porto defender lost control of the ball and Chilwell was the quickest to react as he picked up the loose ball, took it into the box and went round the goalkeeper to set up an easy tap in for himself in the 85th minute and give Chelsea an healthy 2-0 away win over FC Porto.

Chelsea have now won all three of their Champions League matches under Tuchel, conceding no goals in that time. The second leg is scheduled for April 13th at the same stadium and Chelsea will be looking to book a first semifinal ticket since 2014.