Cech explains main reason for Chelsea’s group exit

Petr Cech believes Chelsea’s 2-2 draw at home to Juventus in September after they had led 2-0 was the biggest factor in their Champions League exit at the group stage.

Chelsea walloped Nordsjaelland 6-1 but Juve’s victory over Shakhtar Donetsk meant the Italian side went through as group winners and the Blues became the first holders to go out of the tournament before the knockout phase.

Chelsea finished level on points with Shakhtar but the Ukrainian team progressed because they scored more goals at Stamford Bridge than the defending champions managed in the reverse fixture.

And keeper Cech told Sky Sports: “Unfortunately really the damage was done before. We did what we could and could only hope, but the other result didn’t go our way.

“I think obviously you have results away from home – we lost to Shakhtar and Juventus – but the main difference was the Juventus draw at home after being 2-0 up.

“If you drop too many points in the group then you can’t go through. There were lots of positives from this performance, it’s just a pity it’s not enough to take us through.”

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