Chelsea to face old enemy in Semi-Final

Writer: Lewis Taylor

Chelsea secured their place in the Champions League semi finals after a 2-1 (3-1 agg) victory over Benifica on Wednesday night and will now meet Barcelona.

The game started with Chelsea 1-0 up on aggregate thanks to a Kalou away goal in Portugal. Di Matteo set up with two changes to his side from the first leg, Lampard came in for Mereiles and Ivanovic at right back in the place of Paulo Ferreira.

The game started at an electric pace with Benifica coming at Chelsea and causing problems. The home side looked nervous. However, after 20 minutes Ashley Cole burst down the left and he found himself in space in the box, a clumsy challenge from Benifica’s Javier Garcia saw Cole fall to the ground as the ref pointed at the spot. Chelsea Penalty!

Lampard focused himself, an image familiar to Chelsea fans, and struck the ball hard and low with venom towards the bottom left corner. The goalkeeper was close but the power took the ball into the net. Chelsea 1-0 up, (2-0 agg)

Chelsea were riding their luck at the other end as Benifica attacked and attacked, and a superb Terry goal-line clearance kept the home side in front. The Blues also had chances of their own but chances were wasted and the scoreline stood at 1-0 (2-0 agg).

Our task got a little easier when the ref had no option to send off Benifica’s Maxi Perreira following a clumsy two footed tackle on Mikel. Second yellow, and Benifica’s challenge ahead looked even tougher.

Despite being down to 10-men, Benifica continued to throw players forward and they got their reward when a last ditch corner found the head of a poorly marked Javier Garcia. An easy goal for the visitors. Garcia rose to guide the ball under the cross bar and past the Cech. 1-1 on the night (2-1 on aggregate)

Stamford Bridge flooded with anxiety, a nail biting final few minutes were ahead. Suddenly Stamford Bridge gasped a sigh of relief when a dangerous Benifica free kick was cleared, a racing Raul Mereiles did well to win the ball and drove towards goal, with a quick look up Raul smashed his right boot through it, wooooosh c’mon!!!! The ball rippled the top right of the net. Game over!!! Chelsea 2-1 up (3-1 on agg)

So a mouth watering tie against old rivals Barcelona is now upon us. Let’s just hope the referee brings his glasses this time Chelsea fans!

Watch video highlights from Chelsea 2-1 Benfica here.