[Player Ratings] FC Basel 1-0 Chelsea: Salah Strikes Late But Blues March On

Chelsea have qualified for the knock-out stages of the Champions League despite a lifeless defeat to FC Basel at St Jakob Park.

The decisive goal came in 87th minute when FC Basel’s Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah broke through the Chelsea defence to slot beyond Petr Cech.

Jose Mourinho’s men will be delighted to have booked their place in the last 16 of the competition even though the Blues toiled through a game in which they failed to register a single shot on target.

While the Chelsea boss made changes to the side that so convincingly despatched West Ham on Saturday, the Blues were still made up of first team regulars including John Terry, Frank Lampard, Ramires and Oscar.

Willian showed signs of life throughout but the away side lacked the consistency to trouble the Swiss outfit who also beat the Blues at Stamford Bridge in the reverse fixture.

But the work was already done prior to this meeting and with Schalke only managing a goalless draw against Steaua Bucharest in the other Group E match, the Blues path to the knock out phase was secured.

Player Ratings

Cech- 7- did well to keep Basel at bay with a number of fine saves until the 87th minute winner.

Azpilicueta- 6- the Spaniard didn’t do an awful lot wrong. Decent performance in place of Ashley Cole at left back.

Terry- 6- looked to have led his side to a point before Salah’s strike. Organised his team well.

Cahill- 6- fairly comfortable alongside Terry.

Ivanovich- 6- got forward to provide a good crossed chance for Samuel Eto’o early on but his influence waned.

Lampard- 5- a stark contrast to his performance at Upton Park on Saturday. Maybe two games in the space of four days was one too many for the ageing midfielder.

Mikel- 7- a good all round performance from the Nigerian, protecting his defence as Basle came forward time and time again. Man of the Match.

Ramires- 6- a display full of running from the Brazilian, as we’ve come to expect but not enough substance. Something lacking.

Willian- 7- a lively showing in parts from the winger. Chelsea fans expect to see the Brazilian shine on this stage after his exploits with former club Shakhtar Donetsk. Showed glimpses of his talent but only in patches.

Oscar- 5- like Lampard, the gulf in performances between Upton Park and St Jakob Park in Basle was frightening. We expect a lot more from the influential play-maker. Subbed shortly after half-time

Eto’o- 5- the Cameroonian was unlucky to be forced off through injury just before the break.

Subs

Torres- 6- on for Eto’o who was stretchered off. Decent showing but for your striker not to register a single shot on target is disappointing.

Hazard- 6- was only slightly better than Oscar when he replaced him after 55 minutes. Should have done better when gifted the ball but fluffed his lines.

De Bruyne- 5- on for Willian with just 6 minutes to play. Not enough time to make an impact.

What was your assessment of the defeat in Switzerland?…is the result important?…with qualification secured, who would you like Chelsea to draw in the knock out stages?…Who was your man of the match?…please leave your comments below…