midfielder Maciel Sousa Campos (R) vies with Chelsea’s Scottish
midfielder Billy Gilmour (C) during the UEFA Champions League Group
E football match between Chelsea and FK Krasnodar at Stamford
Bridge in London on December 8, 2020.Ben STANSALL /
AFP
Jorginho spared Chelsea’s blushes as his penalty rescued
a 1-1 draw against Krasnodar in the last Champions League Group E
round on Tuesday.
Frank Lampard’s side had already qualified for the last 16 as
group winners after beating Sevilla 4-0 last week.
Even so, they would not have wanted to lose to the Russian
minnows and that was the prospect they faced after Remy Cabella put
Krasnodar ahead in the first half at Stamford Bridge.
Lampard had made 10 changes from the win over Leeds in the
Premier League last weekend.
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Jorginho ensured the under-strength Chelsea line-up were saved
from embarrassment when he stroked in a penalty moments after
Krasnodar’s shock opener.
Chelsea are unbeaten in 14 games in all competitions as they
look to mount a Premier League title challenge and win the
Champions League for a second time.
Krasnodar finish third in the group and will move on to the
Europa League.
Billy Gilmour made his first start for Chelsea since recovering
from knee surgery and the Scottish midfielder let fly with an early
effort that deflected wide.
But Chelsea’s rhythm had clearly been disrupted by all the
changes and Krasnodar threatened when Tonny Vilhena’s powerful
strike whistled just over.
Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga had been given his first
appearance since October after losing his place to Edouard
Mendy.
Spain international Kepa has endured a torrid time with a series
of costly mistakes since signing from Athletic Bilbao in 2018 for
£71 million, a world record for a keeper.
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Although he wasn’t at fault this time, Kepa was unable to
prevent his side falling behind in the 24th minute.
A neat exchange of passes opened up the flat-footed Blues
defence and Viktor Claesson teed up the unmarked Cabella for a low
shot that flashed past Kepa from 12 yards.
That was a wake-up call for Chelsea as they hit back to equalise
four minutes later.
Tammy Abraham’s nimble turn drew a clear tug from Krasnodar
defender Kaio, earning a penalty that Jorginho stepped up to
take.
Jorginho had missed two spot-kicks earlier this season,
including one in the 4-0 win at Krasnodar, but the Italy midfielder
made amends as he slotted home.
Abraham was at the heart of Chelsea’s best moments. The striker
almost put his team in front when his first-time shot from Kai
Havertz’s pass went just wide.
Chelsea’s 19-year-old English forward Tino Anjorin made his
maiden start after two substitute appearances last season.
He offered a few glimpses of his potential and his
audacious effort curled narrowly wide in the second half.
Abraham couldn’t get a strong enough connection with his header
from Jorginho’s cross, but should have won the game in the closing
stages.
Surging through on goal, Abraham’s shot was too close to Evgeni
Gorodov, who made a good save with his outstretched leg.
AFP
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