[Player Ratings] Chelsea 2-0 Galatasaray: Hazard-Inspired Blues Cruise Into Last 8

Chelsea became the first English club to make it to the quarter-finals of the Champions League with a 2-0 home defeat of Didier Drogba’s Galatasaray.

The Turkish side arrived in London after securing a 1-1 draw in the first-leg in Istanbul but there was only one winner at Stamford Bridge.

Goals from Samuel Eto’o and Gary Cahill were enough to give Chelsea safe passage despite missing a host of chances to put further shine to their victory.

The Blues took the lead inside four minutes when Eto’o rounded off a superb move that involved Eden Hazard and Oscar while Cahill converted unmarked from a corner minutes before half-time.

The visitors failed to put up much of a fight and were reliant on ex-Chelsea legend Drogba to come up with something spectacular. But a free-kick of his went wildly into the stands and he miscued from 6-yards out when he looked odds on to score.

Chelsea also passed up opportunities to add to their lead, with Willian, Frank Lampard and substitute Fernando Torres guilty of misfiring. Jose Mourinho tried to play down his side’s chances of progressing further than the quarter-finals, stating his team are not the same team he built to clinch two Premier League titles in his first tenure.

But with the typical Jose resilience well and truly instilled in this team, Chelsea will have to feel that they have nothing to lose against the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.

Player Ratings

Cech- 6- the only thing missing from Cech’s performance was his pipe and slippers, such was his role as spectator in this game.

Ivanovic- 7- the Serb might have struggled in the reverse leg in Istanbul but there were no home jitters here. Dependable as ever and an outlet in attack.

Terry- 7- a comfortable showing without having to truly exert himself. Kept a clean sheet and led his defence as competently as ever.

Cahill- 7- kept Drogba in check and was in the right place at the right time to smash the ball home after Terry’s header was saved.

Azpilicueta- 7- completed a solid defensive performance from the back five. Linked up well with Hazard on the left side.

Lampard- 6- better performance from the midfield man who has sometimes struggled for form this season. His set-pieces always caused problems although he should have done better to keep his shot down in the second half.

Ramires- 7- a typical Ramires performance, full of energy and forceful forward running. Kept Galatasaray on the back-foot and kept Chelsea in control.

Hazard- 8- a sparkling game from the Belgian who played his part in the opening goal. Collecting the ball from a throw-in, the winger turned and brought the ball under control via his chest in one single movement, driving forward before Oscar played in Eto’o. Man of the Match.

Oscar- 7- this was more the Oscar we’ve been used to following a period of patchy form. Linked up with Hazard, Willian and Eto’o to devastating effect. The only thing missing was a goal.

Willian- 8- a real thorn in Galatasaray’s side. Had two good chances to score but keeper Fernando Muslera saved well.

Eto’o- 7- made a good run and did enough to get the ball over the line to put the Blues 1-0 up. Didn’t have too many clear cut chances but he played his part for the team, showing a good understanding with Hazard and Oscar.

Subs

Schurrle- 6- on for Oscar with nine minutes left. Did okay in the closing stages.

Torres- 5- only played for the last five minutes but fluffed his chance to make it 3-0.

Kalas- 5- the Czech came on to run down the clock in injury time. Only his second appearance in a Chelsea shirt.

What did you think of Chelsea’s performance?…Was it all a bit easy, or were Chelsea just too good for Galatasaray?…How far can Chelsea go in the competition?…Which teams do you want to avoid in the next round?…please leave your comments below…