Chelsea managed to reach the UEFA Champions League semi-finals for the first time since their 2014 competition campaign, in which they fell to Atletico Madrid, after they defeated FC Porto 2-1 on aggregate.
Whilst they looked in control, Thomas Tuchel’s Blues were on the end of a 1-0 defeat to the Portuguese giants on Tuesday night after Mehdi Taremi scored what could only be described as a wondergoal.
For the neutrals watching the game, it was quite disappointing that it happened inside the final few minutes of stoppage time of the game, as the overall contest was rather bland and dull, with many likely having failed to see the goal as they may have turned over before the final whistle was blown.
Just imagine those sports betting fans who placed a bet on something like that happening; they would have been screaming and jumping for joy!
Nonetheless, Chelsea ended their long wait to return to the UEFA Champions League last four and one of their players managed to make some history of his own as they progressed through the competition.
With stats available for everything – as we here at Total Football Analysis very well know – Christian Pulisic was fouled a whopping 11 times against FC Porto as he continued to be a huge thorn in the side of Pepe and co on the night in Seville.
Indeed, the American’s exploits throughout the 90 minutes he played meant he would equal a record that FC Barcelona legend Lionel Messi had created 10 years ago; obtaining the joint-most free-kicks in a single Champions League appearance.
Imagine if Jack Grealish manages to play Champions League football; that record will be gone in the first hour of his debut tournament appearance.
Messi’s was perhaps a little more impressive, as he scored a brace that included a superb solo goal against El Clasico rivals, Real Madrid, but Pulisic certainly played his part in helping the Blues ensure their competition continued.
The United States of America international had found it hard under his former Borussia Dortmund manager when Tuchel first arrived at Stamford Bridge, but he has since become an integral player for the Blues and was a key reason as to why the Premier League side were able to continue to drive forward.
His form is reminiscent of his time under Frank Lampard, as he found beginning his Chelsea career a little tough before becoming one of their best players before an injury halted his progress.
