BATE 0-1 Chelsea: 5 Talking Points and Tactical Analysis, Europa League 2018/19

#2 BATE provide early scare but Chelsea settle in

Under the coldest of atmospheres, BATE and their supporters looked totally up for the Chelsea challenge. Maksim Skavysh met a whipping cross and attempted an overhead kick, but his effort was just wide. The wingers played a couple of one-twos but failed to produce the final pass.

Moments later in the 11th minute, the hosts survived a cross and darted forward. Dragun teed up Dmitri Baga on the edge of the box. The right midfielder stung a fierce shot and beat Arrizabalaga's substantial frame, but was unfortunately denied by the frame of goal.

In the very next minute, Jorginho conceded a corner. Dragun's header forced another save from the Blues' custodian. The ball was stuck in that dangerous area, before being cleared by a teal blue shirt.

However, the visitors clawed their way back into the game and played pass after pass after pass as BATE setup a packed defensive structure to ensure a shut-out. The first half ended with around 78% possession in favour of Chelsea. Although they couldn't muster a shot on target, the home side never looked like getting back into the game.

Edited by Sripad