Chelsea 0-1 Porto: 5 talking points as Chelsea reach semi-final for the first time in 7 years | UEFA Champions League 2020-21

Chelsea have reached the UEFA Champions League semi-finals for the eighth time.
Chelsea have reached the UEFA Champions League semi-finals for the eighth time.

Chelsea saw off Porto 2-1 on aggregate to reach their eighth Champions League semi-final.

The Blues welcomed FC Porto in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final clash with a commanding 2-0 lead. Although they slipped up on the night, Thomas Tuchel's men went through to the last four.

It was a controlled and disciplined defensive display from the London team who held Porto well over both legs.

The game was cagey, with no clear chances for both sides. Porto had a chance early on when Edouard Mendy passed the ball straight to winger Jesus Corona, but Jorginho was quick to close him down.

Medhi Taremi gave Chelsea a scare with a stunning bicycle kick four minutes into stoppage time. But it was not enough for the away side over the two legs.

Chelsea have now reached the semi-finals of the Champions League for the first time in seven years. On that note, let's take a look at the five talking points from the game:

#1 Chelsea produce a solid outing at the back

FC Porto v Chelsea FC - UEFA Champions League Quarter Final 3: Leg One
FC Porto v Chelsea FC - UEFA Champions League Quarter Final 3: Leg One

Chelsea lost their clean sheet in the 94th minute to a sensational bicycle kick by Mehdi Taremi, but their defensive performance on the night was one to be proud of. Chelsea were in control throughout, and Porto barely created any clear-cut chance in the second leg.

The Blues' defensive numbers under new coach Thomas Tuchel have been incredible. With 13 clean sheets in 18 games, the solid back-line has been a major reason for Chelsea's consistency under the German boss.

A lot of credit goes to summer signing Eduord Mendy, who has been ridiculously good for the London side this season, keeping 21 clean sheets in 36 games in all competitions.

#2 Kai Havertz sizzles as a no. 9

Thomas Tuchel prefers Kai Havertz as Chelsea's no. 9.
Thomas Tuchel prefers Kai Havertz as Chelsea's no. 9.

A lot of talk was about Chelsea's striker position after they signed Timo Werner for £47.6million. With academy star Tammy Abraham and World Cup winner Olivier Giroud already in the team, there was going to be plenty of options for one position.

Kai Havertz, though, seems to be a regular choice for that no. 9 position under Thomas Tuchel. The 21-year old started as the striker in both legs against Porto and seems to have nailed that position down for himself.

The Chelsea boss is confident that Kai Havertz could spearhead his side's Champions League challenge as their central striker. Tuchel feels the German star is comfortable in finishing and can clearly play as a no. 9.

Havertz has shown glimpses of what he can do, but the £71million signing is yet to show his best in a Chelsea shirt. Nevertheless, the Chelsea manager will hope that playing Havertz as the central striker would get the best out of him.

#3 Christian Pulisic enjoys a late-season flourish

Chelsea's Captain America
Chelsea's Captain America

Chelsea's Christian Pulisic proved to the Premier League that he was ready for the challenge after he scored nine goals and four assists in 19 starts last season.

His talent was never a question, but his fitness has been a regular issue in his Chelsea career. The 22-year old has started just 12 games in the league this season and was moved down inthe pecking order because of that reason.

However, in recent weeks Pulisic has shown what he is all about and has found some much needed form. He was electric against Porto and had the visitng defenders on their toes all game.

The winger was sensational against Crystal Palace last weekend, scoring twice. If Pulisic can keep buidling on his current form and get back to the levelshe showed during Project Restart, Chelsea might challenge for the Champions League and the FA Cup titles this season.

#4 N'Golo Kante makes his Chelsea return

N'Golo Kante, Chelsea's midfield general
N'Golo Kante, Chelsea's midfield general

Midfield battles win most games, and Chelsea rarely lose one when N'golo Kante is on the pitch.

The Chelsea man was all over the pitch against Porto and made sure their backline was well guarded during the second leg. The Frenchman has had his issues with injury woes this season and has started only four of ten Champions League games this season.

Tuchel confirmed that he was unsure about Kante for this game and that he wasn't ready for the full 90 minutes. But the 30-year old midfielder did just fine against the Portuguese side and seems to have rediscovered his mojo.

Kante has added a little attacking flair to his repertoire as well. He could be a major factor if Chelsea are to finish in the top 4 or challenge for silverware this season.


#5 What's next for Chelsea?

Exciting times lie ahead for Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel.
Exciting times lie ahead for Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel.

The Chelsea squad is almost entirely fit and the games are coming thick and fast. So what does the future hold for Chelsea?

Thomas Tuchel and his men face either Real Madrid or Liverpool in the semi-final of the Champions League. Real Madrid have a 3-1 advantage and are favourites to make it to the semis. The game against Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-finals awaits this weekend.

A top-four place in the league is still up for grabs, but the competition is intense. Chelsea are currently fifth, one point behind fourth-placed Everton, and the Blues have Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur breathing down their neck.

Nevertheless, there is a lot to play for, and Chelsea will definitely have to give it their all.

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Edited by Bhargav
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