Tuchel is looking for his team to bounce back from a first defeat in his reign
(Getty Images)
Chelsea face Portuguese opposition in the Champions League, but the match takes place in Spain tonight - Sevilla hosts the tie between FC Porto and Thomas Tuchel’s side.
Regardless of the changed surroundings, the Premier League team will be hoping to find an away goal and a positive result as they head into the tie as favourites to progress, though their excellent start to life under the new boss was halted at the weekend in a shock, and heavy, defeat to West Brom.
Porto boss Sergio Conceicao feels they’ll use that defeat as motivation for an improved showing against his team, but the Liga NOS side have already shown their ability to break down big clubs this season by dispatching of Juventus in the round of 16. At the same stage, Chelsea got past Atletico Madrid with two polished showings, so there’s no need for great concern despite that first defeat for Tuchel.
With the likes of N’Golo Kante and Christian Pulisic not at full fitness, Chelsea won’t be quite at full strength, but the expectation will still be on them getting a decent result in the first half of this tie as they bid to reach the semis.
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Follow live updates of Porto vs Chelsea in the Champions League quarter-final, first leg below.
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Callum Rice-Coates7 April 2021 22:00
Callum Rice-Coates7 April 2021 21:58
PSG BEAT BAYERN
It’s all over in Munich, too. Kylian Mbappe has inspired PSG to an impressive first-leg victory over Bayern...
Callum Rice-Coates7 April 2021 21:55
The job is not done yet, of course, but Chelsea are now well on course to reach the semi-finals. They have two away goals and that defensive security is back after the blip against West Brom. Tuchel will likely be very pleased.
(Getty Images)
Callum Rice-Coates7 April 2021 21:54
FULL-TIME: PORTO 0-2 CHELSEA
That’s it! Chelsea take a lead into the second leg thanks to goals from Mount and Chilwell. The scoreline is convincing but Porto were stubborn opponents and will hope to recover in the second leg - in Seville again - next week.
Callum Rice-Coates7 April 2021 21:51
PORTO 0-2 CHELSEA (90+3’)
Vieira sends the free kick into the box but it’s too high for Mbemba. Chelsea goal kick.
Callum Rice-Coates7 April 2021 21:50
PORTO 0-2 CHELSEA (90+3’)
Christensen slides in on Diaz and gives away a free kick. This will be Porto’s last chance...
Callum Rice-Coates7 April 2021 21:49
PORTO 0-2 CHELSEA (90+2’)
Emerson replaces Kovacic as the clock ticks down.
Callum Rice-Coates7 April 2021 21:48
PORTO 0-2 CHELSEA (90’)
Mendy claims a Corona cross as the board goes up to show three minutes of added time. Chelsea are managing the final minutes well.
Callum Rice-Coates7 April 2021 21:47
PORTO 0-2 CHELSEA (88’)
Chelsea’s extra quality has been the difference tonight. Porto have often been on top and created several opportunities, but the clinical edge hasn’t been there.
Callum Rice-Coates7 April 2021 21:45
English (US)