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Saturday, November 10, 2012

Last gasp winner keeps alive Champions league defense

A last gasp header from Victor Moses gave Chelsea a 3-2 win at Stamford Bridge against Ukrainian champions Shakthar Donetsk. Shakthar had already shown that they are a wonderful team when they thoroughly outplayed the European champions at Donbass Arena, and they once again nearly outplayed the Blues at the Bridge. Two goalkeeping mistakes led to 2 Chelsea goals and the result would probably had been different if not for their defensive lapses, not that Chelsea defended great themselves.

It was an entertaining match with the attack minded players from both sides running riot while both the defenses looked like conceding every now and then. Oscar's wonderful cross in the 5th minute should have probably been turned into the net by Torres,but the Spaniard made up for his miss soon enough as his opportunism meant that Andriy Pyatov hit straight onto Torres. It was more of a gift from the goalkeeper, but Chelsea were soon giving the gift back as horrendous defending from Bertrand and Luiz allowed Willian to slot home after Fernandinho's wonderful run in the 7th minute. The Shakthar goalkeeper was again the culprit as he tried to play sweeper when Mata crossed to the path of Torres. His clearance went straight to Oscar, who lobbed the ball into the empty net from 45 yards. 2-1 to Chelsea at half time.

Straight after half time, Shakthar equalised through Willian in the 47th minute. With the score at 2-2,Shakthar even hit the post while Chelsea also had a case for a penalty. Finally in the last minute of extra time, with almost the last kick of the game, an unmarked Moses rose to head home Juan Mata's corner to keep the Champions league hopes alive.

Shakthar definitely looked the better side and was probably unlucky to lose. With Juventus winning 4-0 at home to Nordjaelland, the group is interestingly poised with Shakthar and Chelsea with 7 points while Juve have 6 points. It could go down to the wire and Chelsea have to improve a lot against Juventus, who as always are strong at home.

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