Match report:
Buffon- I remained unsure of whether Santo Buffon had clawed the ball back from behind the line when Drogba's free kick whistled into his arms, but it was a free kick which should not have been given. So to say Chelsea were denied a legitimate goal is wrong. For the first goal especially, I was a little surprised at our normally supremely serene in the moment of battle custodian, however it was a powerful deflection which was hard to grab as it flew over his head, onto the bar, and into the path of Essien. The second goal was not his fault...But he looked shakey just before and during the first strike that killed our dreams. 6,10
Molinaro-
Useless as always with his distribution but did push forward constantly. Should have been booked for a late tackle on Essien which kicked him off the pitch. At least he wasn't directly responsible for the goals. It should be noted however, that Essien is a defensive minded midfielder, which meant Molinaro was able to flood forward, at least into the middle of the park, much easier than when he is facing a winger. 6,10
Chiellini-
Still not fully match sharp, but generally solid. Gave the ball away in a silly position during the first half but recovered to prove rock-like as well as driving forward on several occasions. He was extremely unlucky for the red card. The english commentary team covering the game I watched were suggesting he had said something to the referee and gained his second yellow for dissent, because the tackle Giorgio made prior to the expulsion was a sound one, in their eyes and my eyes 'he got the ball, clearly'...If that was the reason for the second yellow, we were extremely hard done by. An encouraging, but still not perfect, 7,10
Mellberg-
One of the finest performances for the viking Berserker in a Juve shirt. Uncompromising, mobile enough in the mind and body to allow no one on ones with Buffon. He did his work calmly and competently. 7,10
Grygera-
As with Molinaro he supported the attack whenever possible. His tackling was cautious and several times he was passed by Anelka, though fortunately he had constant support and cover from his team-mates. An uninspiring but not shocking 6,10
Nedved-
How horrible for Pavel to limp out of what is likely to be his last champions league game, so early in the match. We missed his quality and tenacity for the remainder of the game. N.A
Marchisio-
A dominant, tough showing from a player whose composure, comfort on the ball and in the challenge grows game by game. Alongside Tiago, he was superb last night, with his only failing, a few over hit passes. Ballack and Lampard did not have an easy night...Great work, Claudio, 8,10.
Tiago-
I was surprised by the tempo and aggression of the former chelsea man, chasing back, winning the ball, playing it simple, looking for openings...He was a solid component of a functional, creative midfield. It was unfortunate though, that our wings were fucked, before Giovinco arrived and gave more options than through the middle. A commendable 7,10.
Salihamdzic-
Rugged, rat like but anonymous for large portions of the game. He looked neither fit nor technically capable of playing a prominent role in a high tempo game of this calibre. His substitution for Nedved was the wrong move for Ranieri. It would have been wiser to bring on Giovinco, who is at least fit and sharp. 5,10
Iaquinta-
Battled hard and took his goal superbly. Vincenzo showed just why we shouldn't let him go in the Summer. He plays like a classic english centre forward, all muscle, hustle and bustle, and is surprisingly quick for a big man. Unfortunate to be substituted. Put in a decent shift...8,10.
Del Piero-
The rest had allowed him to reach a high level of freshness. The Captain led by example, but was forced to come ever deeper to collect the ball after Nedved's injury. His free kick magic was largely absent, though his passing, technique and determination were admirable. 7,10
Trezeguet-
Getting sharper by the game, the frenchman's flick to set up Iaquinta was simply world class. He had a header which he should have done better with, and I was a little surprised that he was taken off as he seemed hard for the Chelsea defence to handle. Great to see him back, and its clear he can play at this level for at least another season. 7,10.
Giovinco-
As soon as he entered the fray, the whole stadium was lifted, and with every touch, the rise in the Juve Pulse Rate was palpable the world over. Some smart touches, was happy and able to take on players, could have been luckier with a couple of shots which were deflected...He made us a threat from the left and should have been introduced far sooner into the game. To me its as simple as Gio can pass and shoot and dribble. Brazzo cant pass, cant shoot, cant dribble...But Ranieri went for solidity, when the game called for invention. Encouraging to see the youngster get a decent crack of the whip. 7,10
Amauri-
He looked out of sorts and ill-equipped to cause more damage than Trezeguet. Not enough time for a rating, but with Iaquinta and Trezeguet impressing, the brazilian must be wondering how far down the pecking order he has slipped now that the others are once again fit and firing...
Ranieri-
With so many injuries, the team he chose was fine by me. And while I was intrigued and surprised by Iaquinta's position and selection, the formation worked brilliantly in the first 15 minutes...However, I wasn't happy with the Brazzo for Nedved exchange. A defensive player who isnt yet fit instead of the other option of Giovinco. That lost us ground and took a tooth away from our attack, removing a canine and putting in its place a molar. His other substitutions were unadventurous, but he was bringing fresh quality onto the pitch. Trez could have stayed on, but who would he have sacrificed instead*** Having ten men at this stage, I can understand why Ranieri went Striker for Striker, rather than lose more men from further down the pitch. 6,10
Conclusion
Without doubt, we would have been better placed to beat chelsea had we not lost Camo, Marchionni, Nedved and Legro to injury and also had Trezeguet, Chiellini, Brazzo, Iaquinta all still chasing match fitness. These matters diluted the quality of the team. As they would to any team. We were not able to put out our strongest XI...Still, in the second leg we performed with heart and spirit and can consider ourselves unlucky to have gone out at this stage.
getting the early goal was deserved as we were in control, pushing chelsea constantly onto the back foot. Their equalizer was not deserved, and it included a large dose of luck with the deflection and ricochet off the crossbar. We were also cursed with misfortune when Chiellini was sent off.
We conceded the second goal as we were flooding forward in search of what would have been the overall winner.
Never once were we embarrassed by Chelsea, and they don't seem like a superior side.
What can we take from this*** A decent run in the champions league in our return to the competition. We have gained experience for our youngsters, reminded Europe that we are once again competing with the best of the best, and all in all done ourselves proud.
We were unlucky to go out at this stage, but with Hiddink at the helm, I am confident Chelsea will go much further in the competition. And Ranieri can now concentrate on cementing second place in the league, or even challenging Inter at the top.
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