Jorginho impressed even as Chelsea lost 1-0 to FC Porto but made it through to the Champions League semi-final on aggregate scoreline.
FC Porto, aiming to overturn a two-goal deficit from the first leg quarter-final tie, made a bright start and looked the sharper of the two teams. However, Chelsea made sure that there were no clear-cut chances for the Portuguese outfit, although a poor clearance from Edouard Mendy created panic but Jorginho dealt with the threat, before Jesus Corona shot over the bar in a 1v1 situation.
Post the half-time break, Chelsea looked more in control of the contest, although the chances continued to come in scarcity. The first shot on target in the game came through Mehdi Taremi in the 65th minute which was easily saved by Mendy.
The Porto striker did find the back of the net with a spectacular strike in stoppage time, but it was too little too late for the Dragoes as Chelsea qualified for the semi-final with a 2-1 aggregate win. Here’s how we rated the performances of Thomas Tuchel’s men in what was the Blues’ second defeat under the German tactician.
Edouard Mendy: 6/10
A poor clearance in the first half fell straight to Corona, but was saved the blushes by Jorginho. Little to do after that, fairly easy stop to keep Taremi out, but not much he could have done to stop the goal.
Cesar Azpilicueta: 6.5/10
Solid at the back, the Chelsea skipper was strong in the air and on the ground as he won as many as eight aerial duels while making two tackles and three clearances. Needed to be sharper with his distribution, though, as he completed just 64% of his passes.
Thiago Silva: 7/10
Back into the side after not being involved in the last two matches, the Brazilian was calm and comfortable on the night. Hardly let anything get past him, making a crucial block in the first half and another vital interception to cut out a dangerous cross in the second. Misplaced just four passes all game.
Antonio Rudiger: 6.5/10
Started a bit nervy, with one sloppy moment on the ball almost letting Porto through. Grew into the game with time and like Azpilicueta, was strong in the air, cutting out crosses and long balls with relative ease, winning eight aerial duels and making a game-high ten clearances in the process.
Reece James: 6.5/10
Back in the side after sitting out the weekend clash against Crystal Palace, the England international did little wrong on the night. Got forward well for the most part, but could have done better with a chance created by N’Golo Kante. Defensively sound, making eight clearances, winning five aerials and three tackles.
Jorginho: 8/10
Jorginho had more touches, won more duels and made more tackles than any player in either Champions League game this evening.
◉ 97 touches
◉ 12 duels won
◉ 8 tackles madeTuchel's midfield general. ? pic.twitter.com/B1uhPo8bXo
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) April 13, 2021
Apart from one moment when he allowed Otavio to nick the ball off him in the first half, the Italian did not put a foot wrong on the night. Crucial block to stop Corona’s attempt after Mendy had hit the ball straight to him.
Continued to pop up and cut out attacks with important interventions throughout the game. Oozed calmness when on the ball for most parts as well. Ended with one key pass, a game-high eight tackles, four clearances and a couple of interceptions. Solid.
N’Golo Kante: 7.5/10
Making his first start since his injury during the international break, the Frenchman looked up for it from the start. Was his usual solid self off the ball and looked to drive the team forward when in possession, with his run to create a chance for James particularly standing out. Did get dribbled past by an opponent on four occasions, but it was mighty impressive that he lasted the entire ninety minutes after just recovering from the injury, with all the running he got done.
Ben Chilwell: 6/10
Had his task cut out against the lively Jesus Corona and was almost punished in the first half for misjudging a pass which allowed the Mexican through on goal but he shot over. Got steadier as the game wore on and even made a few good runs forward.
Christian Pulisic: 7.5/10
Christian Pulisic's game by numbers vs. FC Porto:
100% take-ons completed
65 touches
24 duels contested
16 duels won
11 fouls won
7 ball recoveries
5 touches in the opp box
3 shots
3 take-ons
2 chances created"I can do this all day." ? pic.twitter.com/2e9bDG8A4I
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) April 13, 2021
Started out on the right side initially before switching flanks. Got more and more involved as the game progressed and looked a threat, but could have done better after being found by Chilwell in the box ten minutes after the break. Another late effort was saved. Did play a couple of key passes and completed each of his dribbles as well. Not shy off putting the hard yards off the ball either.
Mason Mount: 6/10
A quiet outing by the standards he has set in recent weeks, but there was no shortage of effort and work-rate as he constantly tried to open up the visitors’ defence although it did not yield the desired result. Did manage one key pass.
Kai Havertz: 6/10
Pressed from the front and worked hard all game long. Could not pose much of a goal threat like he did against Crystal Palace although he was starved of meaningful service throughout. Made one key pass.
SUBSTITUTES
Hakim Ziyech: N/A
On for Mount with less than five minutes of normal time left.
Olivier Giroud: N/A
Stoppage time substitute for Havertz.
