Source: Telegraph
Chelsea beat Juventus to reach Champions League quarterfinals
Michael Essien made a triumphant return in Italy last night, the midfielder scoring the goal that takes Chelsea into the quarter-finals of the Champions League in his first start for six months following knee surgery. [LNB]Guus Hiddink decided to gamble by recalling Essien, but if it was a risk, then Essien did not disappoint, his lungs and legs lasting admirably before being substituted midway through the second half. Once again, the Dutchman displayed an ability to do no wrong. He may be insistent that his tenure at Chelsea will last only until the end of the season but, with each success, he is making it increasingly harder for Roman Abramovich not to offer him the world to stay at Stamford Bridge. [LNB] Related ArticlesTop 10: European coaches[LNB]Juventus v Chelsea: Man marking[LNB]Chelsea almost robbed by errant linesman[LNB]Drogba stops sulking - and scores[LNB]Hiddink in plea for cameras[LNB]Chelsea leapfrog Liverpool to second spot[LNB]It was not all plain sailing here, however. When Vincenzo Iaquinta gave Juventus an early lead, restoring aggregate parity, Chelsea were under pressure highlighting a poor first half performance. However, Didier Drogba, whose goal in the first leg was to prove so important, saw an effort clearly cross the line just before the 45th minute goal, but referee Alberto Mallenco, unaided by his assistant, failed to give it. [LNB]Essien responded seconds later to regain the aggregate lead but drama followed with Juventus reduced to ten men, Giorgio Chiellini walking for two yellow cards before Alessandro Del Piero converted a controversial 70th minute penalty to make for a nervous ending. Chelsea were heading for the last eight on the away goals rule but Drogba, with his fourth goal in five games, ensured a numerical advantage. [LNB]Perhaps it was the full moon that affected the poor performance of the Spanish referee, but Chelsea can feel happy with a job well done. It was no frills football, but a performance, nethertheless, of determination and intelligence. And it gives England a 1-0 advantage in a three-game rubber, with Manchester United and Arsenal now charged with completing what could be a memorable hat-trick of successes over Italian opposition. [LNB]When the first chance was created it came from a blue shirt, with Michael Ballack venturing forward strongly before unleashing a half volley off target. And then Anelka was only narrowly offside as he tested Juve's defence. [LNB]But just when Chelsea appeared to be settling, Juventus restored aggregate parity with a masterclass in finishing. Iaquinta fed Trezeguet then continued his run, accepting the return pass and finishing with style, right-footed into the bottom corner. [LNB]The goal was designed to measure Chelsea's resolve but when Del Piero tested Petr Cech, his swerving effort had to be punched over by the goalkeeper. Another Del Piero attempt, a dipping free kick, was held comfortably by Cech. [LNB]Chelsea's formation meant that they effectively lacked a presence on the left side of midfield, though Anelka did drift wide, as shown shortly before half time when the Frenchman delivered a healthy cross, only for the Juventus defence to clear easily. [LNB]But a poor attempt from Anelka only highlighted the poor first half performance, easily the worst during Hiddink's tenure. [LNB]But with just 30 seconds of normal time remaining Chelsea appeared to have a perfectly good goal ruled out. Former Chelsea player Tiago handled and Drogba's free-kick was met by Gianluigi Buffon, but unconvincingly, and the ball appeared to cross the line. [LNB]Chelsea's players were clearly furious but within seconds they did score and this time it counted. Frank Lampard shot from 25 yards, it took a slight deflection and was pushed onto the cross bar but Essien was on hand to bundle the ball home, right on the stroke of half time. [LNB]Television replays confirmed Drogba's attempt did cross the line so the value of Essien's goal could not be over-stated. The away goal meant that Juventus now needed to score twice to halt Chelsea's passage but with Buffon looking erratic – he had to punch clear another Lampard effort early in the second half – is was the Italians who seemed more vulnerable. [LNB]Chelsea were now in control, frustrating both Juventus and their boisterous fans with good, sensible possession. This was no frills football, engineered by strong defending, good running off the ball and a solid midfield. [LNB]When Chelsea did come under pressure, Terry made a telling clearance from Salihamidzic, while Cech saved easily from Del Piero. Cech then saved well was Trezeguet on a night when he produced one of his finest performances for some time. [LNB]The referee, who had a poor game, created confusion in the 72nd minute. Play was halted by more than a minute as Chelsea argued with the Spaniard as it became apparent that he had awarded a penalty, against Chelsea, after spotting a handball in the defensive wall, with Belletti guilty of illegally halting Trezeguet's free kick. [LNB]When play resumed, Del Piero converted the kick, almost nonchalantly, to the left of Cech. [LNB]But to make their task harder, Juve were reduced to 10 men for the final 20 minutes when Giorgio Chiellini, already cautioned, received a second yellow card for shoving Drogba in the back. [LNB]The referee was losing control and caused confusion when he halted play before awarding Juventus a penalty, converted by Del Piero. That made the remaining 20 minutes nervous, for Chelsea at least. However, Drogba converted Belletti's cross in the 83rd minute to make certain of their passage. [LNB]
