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Chelsea player analysis in Basle as Ivanovic, Hazard and Moses impress
CHELSEA earned a valuable 2-1 Europa League semi-final advantage after a late victory in Basle, with Branislav Ivanovic, Eden Hazard and Victor Moses impressing most for the visitors.
Petr CECH: Reasonably quiet first half but alert to tip Fabian Schar's deflected shot over. Lucky when Valentin Stocker's shot hit the post at start of second half - 7/10
Cesar AZPILICUETA: Kept Stocker quiet in first half and was constant outlet on the right going forward. Under pressure in second half, harshly penalised for penalty - 7/10
Branislav IVANOVIC: Solid. Timely headers and tackles. Dangerous at the other end, had huge part in opening goal as his jump put off defenders and the ball hit Moses - 8/10
John TERRY: Not overly taxed as Basle struggled to show flair and pace that saw off Spurs. Painful collision as Schar ran into him. Late point-blank header saved - 7/10
Ashley COLE: Back from hamstring injury, he kept Mohamed Salah quiet with clever interceptions and marking. Booked for time-wasting and will miss second leg - 7/10
Frank LAMPARD: Played in midfield holding role but lots of forward runs - unlucky not to score early with flick from Azpilicueta's cross. Precise corner led to goal - 7/10
David LUIZ: Put Chelsea a giant step closer to the 7 final with his last-gasp free-kick, but lucky to still be on the pitch after over-the-ball tackle on Philipp Degen - 6/10
RAMIRES: Unlucky not to score on superb counter attack, denied by great save from Yann Sommer. Typically busy and broke up a lot of Basle moves - 7/10
Eden HAZARD: First touch deserted him and also eye for goal as he missed great chance before half-time, moments after also blazing over. Willing runner and outlet - 8/10
Victor MOSES: Gave Rafa Benitez exactly what he wanted - an early away goal in 12th minute with header from Lampard's corner. Impressive display all round - 8/10
Fernando TORRES: Unfortunate in 54th minute as curling shot cracked against post after superb run and cross by Hazard. Clever distribution set up some great breaks - 7/10
SUBSTITUTES:
MATA (for Hazard, 71): almost immediately made a second goal, slotted in seamlessly.
OSCAR (for Lampard, 80): Blasted great late chance over to win it.
Not used: Turnbull, Mikel, Cahill, Benayoun, Bertrand.
BASLE (4-1-4-1)
Sommer 7; P Degen 6, Schar 6, Dragovic 6, Park 7; Frei 5; Salah 5 (D Degen 79), Elneny 6 (Zoua 65), Serey Die 6 (Diaz 61), Stocker 6; Streller 6. Booked: Dragovic, D Degen, Schar.
Referee: P Kralovec (Czech Rep).