Chelsea will face Benfica in the Europa League final after seeing off Basel 5-2 on aggregate. Here’s how we rated players in their second-leg victory.
Petr Cech: 7
Forced to watch helplessly as several shots went close to finding the net but was rarely tested and had no chance with Basel’s goal. Positionally excellent, made a fine first-half block and set up numerous attacks with his smart distribution.
Cesar Azpilicueta: 7
Once again heavily involved because of the lack of natural width in front of him. Excellent on the ball and just about coped defensively as the Swiss side continued to target his flank.
Branislav Ivanovic: 6
Great when facing the ball and winning tackles and headers – and effective when using the ball. But was caught out by some clever movement for the goal, committing himself to go with his man – the sort of error David Luiz would have been lambasted for.
Gary Cahill: 7
Dependable as ever and always looked in control. Won his headers and tackles and brought a calmness to the heart of the defence. A reassuring presence.
Ryan Bertrand: 8
Chelsea’s best defender before the break and combined well with Victor Moses and Fernando Torres down the left. Made a couple of timely interceptions and blocks, showed good defensive awareness and ably supported the attack.
David Luiz: 9
A truly stunning goal capped another superb display. Chelsea’s stand-out player again with a performance that had everything. Won his tackles, nicked possession, passed the ball sensibly, started attacks, helped out his defence and scored a sublime goal.
Frank Lampard: 7
His shot led to the opener and he went close to the club’s goalscoring record on a couple of occasions – including hitting the post early on. His workrate is phenomenal and his role when he plays means his main qualities are somewhat sacrificed for the team. It would be tragic if he does not at least match Bobby Tambling’s record before leaving – whenever that is.
Ramires: 8
Typical busy display allied to some real classy moments and neat footwork. Like his fellow Brazilian Luiz, he was sensibly taken off to avoid a caution that would have brought a ban for the final.
Victor Moses: 8
Scored another goal and was involved throughout. Brimming with confidence, pacy and direct and posed lots of problems. A real handful and his simple goal was richly deserved – not just for his willingness to follow play in on that occasion, but his overall display.
Eden Hazard: 8
The usual pace, trickery and direct running. Terrorised Basel and as soon as he is involved the crowd are lifted and expectant. One sublime flick nearly led to a Ramires goal.
Fernando Torres: 7
Some early misplaced passes had many wondering if ‘Bad Fernando’ was the order of the day but the Spaniard was in fine form. A threat from out wide, worked the line well, showed good movement, scored a vital and well-taken goal and looked to be enjoying himself. Is now regularly making runs he would not have made three months ago – even if he was scoring.
Oscar: 6
Squandered a couple of great opportunities to set up late chances but most of those chances were created by his own hard work and ability, and he played an important role seeing out the game.
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This post was last modified on 03/05/2013