Chelsea put one foot into the Europa League final last night with a late goal by David Luiz giving them a 2-1 win in Switzerland against FC Basel.
Chelsea faced a tough test against FC Basel, a team who had beaten Tottenham in the quarter-finals round. Chelsea’s first chance came in the 11th minute when Frank Lampard clipped a volley towards the goal after a Hazard cross. Lampard took the resulting corner and delivered a fantastic swinging ball into the box which drifted over Ivanovic’s head and hit Victor Moses, causing the ball to be directed into the back of the net. Lucky, but it was the important away goal for Chelsea. Fabian Schar struck a thumping free kick towards the goal just 4 minutes later. The Swiss side was responding and constantly attacking now. Eden Hazard did not capitalise on the chance to extend the lead before the half.
FC Basel came out strongly after the break and within three minutes hit the Chelsea post from a Valentin Stocker shot after a lovely one-two with Marco Streller. It was Chelsea’s turn to hit the post six minutes later, when Hazard skipped past a poor challenge and pulled the ball back for Fernando Torres who hit the left post. Basel dominated the game in terms of possession and chances, but failed to finish the opportunities. The game changed, however, when Basel was awarded a penalty in the 86th minute. Cesar Azpilicueta stuck his right leg up in the air to defend a corner and Stocker went down. Fabian Schar equalized in from the penalty spot. Chelsea was under pressure now and Benitez team tried their best to take the lead again. Chelsea needed David Luiz and four minutes of added time. David Luiz stepped up for the last free kick of the game and shot the ball the gap and past Sommer – 2-1 Chelsea!
Chelsea will host FC Basel at Stamford Bridge on 2 May 2013 in the second leg of the Europa League semi-final.