Chelsea vs. Inter Milan: Champions League Recap, Disgrace for Drogba

Published by adam | Filed under Champions League, Football (aka soccer)

Jose Mourinho of course claims the victory was not about revenge, but the 1-0 victory against Chelsea could not have been any sweeter for the former Blues manager. In three and a half years, Mourinho won back-to-back Premier League titles with Chelsea.


Mourinho, although very whats the word… cocky, may very well be the best coach in the world. Inter does however, have to focus on the Serie A a bit more as AC Milan is making a run at the league Championship. Regardless, the Internazionale manager knows how to coach and knows how to prepare his players for big matches. He altered the lineup and went into Staford Bridge with a more attacking force than usual through the likes of Samuel Eto’o, Diego Milito and Goran Pandev.


The possession and match statistics were virtually the same for the European powerhouses. The difference came when Samuel Eto’o knotted in the winner in the 78th minute, crushing the hopes of a late Chelsea dream goal. The Blues, who would then need to score 2 just to tie the aggregate, became frantic and desperate. The Blues could have been awarded maybe 2 justifiable penalty opportunities but referee Wolfgang Stark would have none of it.


Didier Drobga received a red card in the 86th minute for lashing out (I should say stomping) against Thiago Motta after the ball had clearly passed. This is the 3rd consecutive year Drogba has ended his Champions League campaign in disgrace and dishonor. John Terry of course, protested the officiating at the end of the match giving more than one ref a piece of his mind. More lack of class from the captain after clearly not deserving to win. Deserved or not, you cannot rely on penalties to win your games.





Congrats Nerazzurri, you deserve it. Chelsea was simply outplayed. Chelsea’s game plan and attack looked rather predictable and much less creative than what is the norm. Florent Malouda was one of few Chelsea players that took on opponents and used the width of the field. I am not sure why Ballack is still gracing himself in the Chelsea midfield. A day-in-day-out worker would prove to be much more effective than Ballack.





MAN OF THE MATCH: Wesley Sneijder


Although Javier Zanetti also played one hell of a match. Are we allowed to give the award to Mourinho?


Lucio and Thiago Motta will miss the first leg of the quarter finals.