Chelsea last night was at the edge of dropping out of the Europa league semi finals second legs against a German side Frankfurt at Stamford Bridge. This was match pundit have given to Chelsea on paper considering the nature of the two teams and the quality of players they parades. Having held Frankfurk to 1-1 draw and better away goal advantage, many believed that the second leg would be a work over f9r Chelsea as the host their opponent but what players out last night like the previous 48 hours in champions was about to happen as Frankfurk came from a goal down to almost upset Chelsea in front of their home fans.
The first half started pretty well for the home side who dominated the game with as much as 4 corner kicks but the defense line of Frankfurt was solid to stop all the attempts made as well as the keeper for blocking two scorable opportunities. Frankfurt came close to scoring when … smashed a coming ball at Kepa who was superb to tip the ball over the bar.
Chelsea however took the lead at the 28th minutes when Loftus-Cheek beat the keeper at the near post to put his club first leg in Baku. This goal was long awaited by the home team.
Upon resumption of the second half, Chelsea were punished for sloppy start when Luka Jovic beat Kepa from Mijat Gacinovic pass to level of goal aggregate as well as away goal rules. This really put Chelsea in panic mood as any mistake could cause a big havoc but their wastefulness in front of post was increasing the pressure at the stadium.
Chelsea in the extra time saw Caesar Azpilicauta goal ruled out after the referee believed the defender had bundle the ball of the keepers hand. However, the Germans side twice saw their last efforts cleared off the line when David Luiz first denied Sebastian Haller and then Davide Zappacosta clearing Haller again at a corner to save the home team an embarrassing comeback.
Azpilicueta was at it again in the penalty shoot out when Trapp tipped his shot to hit the bar but Arrizabalaga Kepa who Chelsea match against Manchester City in Carabao cup finals insisted on keeping the penalty which Chelsea later lost was the hero of last night when he kept two Einstracht's penalty kick by trapping the ball under his shin standing still and was able to dive low In the following kick to keep out Hinsteregger’s kick.
Eden Hazard was the last player to take his and the Belgium captain wasted to time to send at Trap the wrong way which send the home crowd into wild jubilation.
From the result, it now means that for the first time if EUFA history, all four English premiership teams will be at both Champions league and Europa finals as Chelsea battle Arsenal at Baku come May 29th while Liverpool after their miraculous comeback will face Tottenham who overcame a 3 goals deficit to beat Ajax as well.
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