[Player Ratings] Chelsea 3-1 Basel (5-2 agg): Luiz Strikes Again To Take Blues To Final

Chelsea came from behind in style against FC Basel to claim a place in the Europa League final.

The Blues led 2-1 from the first leg in Switzerland thanks to a late David Luiz strike in injury time and the Brazilian helped the Londoners overcome an attacking Basel side once again. The Swiss outfit took a surprise lead in first half injury time at Stamford Bridge, a lovely through ball allowing Mohamed Salah to slot beyond Petr Cech.

But Chelsea kept their composure to clinch the tie, first Fernando Torres reacting quickest to the keeper’s fumble, with Victor Moses adding the second minutes later. And before the hour mark had struck Luiz curled in a beautiful strike from distance that all but sealed their place in the final. Here are my player ratings from the game:

Chelsea Ratings

Cech- 6- didn’t have lots to do but was generally alive to danger. A fine pass out-foxed his defence before he could rush out, so cannot be faulted for the goal.

Bertrand- 7- another composed display from the deputy-left back, showing more and more that he belongs at this level. Also good in attack.

Ivanovich- 6- had a few shaky moments in the first half but was much better as the game went on. Assured in his tackling and distributed the ball well from defence.

Cahill- 6- also suffered in the first half as Basel’s front-line battled for every ball but came out on top in the second half.

Azpilicueta- 7- got forward well and supported the team in attack while not shying away from his defensive duties.

Lampard- 7- gave a solid display in the middle of the park. The Stamford Bridge favourite has found himself as a cog in Benitez’s rotation policy but showed maturity and leadership when called upon. Unlucky not to open the scoring when he hit the post.

Ramires- 5- we’ve all seen better displays from the Brazilian at Stamford Bridge. Not quite his energetic self and missed chances when he did get forward, particularly from a Moses pull-back in the first half.

David Luiz- 9- certainly doesn’t look out of place in midfield. The Brazilian showed great resilience in the tackle, helping to break up play whilst composed on the ball. Superb strike to round off an impressive display- and with his wrong foot!

Hazard- 8- another brilliant display from the Belgian wizard. Full of running and dribbling, he was always an outlet for Chelsea and looked like he would make things happen. Has become a vital part of this Chelsea team.

Moses- 8- another player who has found himself without a regular starting berth, but has always produced when called upon. In the right place at the right time to score the second goal.

Torres- 8- laboured for much of the game to what seemed like no avail until the keeper spilled Lampard’s shot. The Spaniard reacted well and deserved his goal in a hard working performance.

Subs

Mata- 6- came on for the last 15 minutes so little time to impress but was his usual busy self, trying to create and bring others into play.

Oscar- 6- introduced when the game had virtually ended as a contest and looked comfortable in a roaming midfield role.

Ake- 5- with only 10 minutes to impress the youngster can’t be judged on tonight’s showing, but did nothing wrong when called upon.

If you didn’t catch the game or simply want to relive the action, you can watch all the goals from the game here.

With Chelsea now into a second successive European final, what do you make of Chelsea’s prospects as we enter the last business weeks of the season? Would a cup win over Benfica be any less impressive because its ‘just’ the Europa League? Do you think Benitez has done a good job since taking over, or are you still one of the boo boys?

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