Friday, October 3, 2014
Match Review: Sporting CP-Chelsea (UCL Group Stage)
Lineups
Sporting CP: R. Patrício, Cédric, Maurício, Sarr, J. Silva, J. Mário, William, Adrien, Carrillo, Slimani, Nani
Subs Used: Oliveira (63’), Capel (81’), Montero (81’)
Chelsea: Courtois, Ivanović, Cahill, Terry, Filipe Luís, Matić, Fàbregas, Schürrle, Oscar, Hazard, Diego Costa
Subs Used: Willian (58’), Mikel (71’), Salah (84’)
Sporting CP: R. Patrício, Cédric, Maurício, Sarr, J. Silva, J. Mário, William, Adrien, Carrillo, Slimani, Nani
Subs Used: Oliveira (63’), Capel (81’), Montero (81’)
Chelsea: Courtois, Ivanović, Cahill, Terry, Filipe Luís, Matić, Fàbregas, Schürrle, Oscar, Hazard, Diego Costa
Subs Used: Willian (58’), Mikel (71’), Salah (84’)
Analysis
Diego Costa’s work ethic was on display from the very beginning. His first chance in the game came at 3’ when he took advantage of Sporting’s high line and stretched central defense. He linked up well with Oscar and Ivanović who he had the most effective pass combinations with. Costa’s positioning was crucial in moments where Hazard and Schürrle were making intensive runs. He held up defenders, which freed up space near the box.
Rui Patrício’s goalkeeping heroics denied goal-scoring opportunities from Schürrle, Costa, and Oscar. Chelsea’s fluidity and interchange of players are tough to contain, especially on transitions. He showed excellent focus and composure against Chelsea’s dangerous attack force for the entire 90 minutes.
Nani was the focal point of Sporting’s attack. The aim was to get him on the ball as much as possible. In a 3 vs. 4 situation, Sporting did well to utilize passing lanes. Chelsea recognized this threat and tightened the defense. Chelsea’s organization cut off Sporting’s passing options in the box. This is why it was difficult to involve Slimani at times.
William Carvalho was instrumental in building Sporting’s attack and looking for the perfect pass when they regained possession. Since Nani was one of the most active players on the pitch, Carvalho prevented the work in attack from being predictable. He was essential in switching up the play.
The most influential player and the core of Chelsea’s midfield was Nemanja Matić. Not only did he contribute to the lone goal of the game, but he didn’t neglect his other duties. Matić used his athleticism to recover the most balls (10) and attempt the most blocks (2) out of all the players. He covered both sides of the pitch on occasions as well. Matić patrolled the midfield and pulled into the right side to support Ivanović vs. Nani.
*MOTM: Nemanja Matić
Written by: Goral Patel
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