Chelsea vs Schalke Match Report

Chelsea vs Schalke – Match Report

Chelsea (4-2-3-1):Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Filipe Luis; Fabregas, Matic; Ramires, Willian, Hazard; Drogba.

Subs: Oscar/Ramires 67, Costa/Drogba 74, Remy/Willian 74

Schalke (4-2-3-1):Fahrmann; Hoger, Ayhan, Neustadter, Fuchs; Boateng, Aogo; Sam, Meyer, Draxler; Huntelaar.

Subs: Choupo-Moting/Meyer 73, Barnetta/Sam 78, Obasi/Draxler 86

Man of the match: Hazard

Finally Chelsea dropped points for the first time this season as they had to settle for a draw against a spirited Schalke. Cesc Fabregas scored for the hosts while Klaas Jan Huntelaar levelled things up for the visitors.

Chelsea started off the match on the front foot as they were the side brimming with confidence and buoyed by the home comfort. Schalke on the other hand were nervous at the back due to complete wilderness amongst their patched up back line. Didier Drogba made his first Champions League appearance for the Blues after that famous spot-kick in Allianz Arena.

But Eden stole the limelight instead. Eden Hazard was simply unplayable at times. He terrorized the Schalke defense with his skill and pace. Chelsea made complete use of their initial dominance as they went up inside 10 minutes with a superbly crafted goal by Eden Hazard and Cesc Fabregas, the latter finishing the move off with a clinical finish.

It was a completely different story post that goal. Schalke suddenly woke up and gradually grew in confidence. Julian Draxler was pulling all the strings with his brilliant runs. Chelsea were overpowered in the midfield despite the presence of Serbian Nemanja Matic. 

The Second half began almost in a similar fashion to the first, except the visitors were more in the loop about their plans discussed during the break. It was in the 62nd minute when in a dubious turn of events, Huntelaar was fouled by Fabregas in Chelsea’s half and fed the ball to Draxler. The 19 year old bursted forward and then fed a return pass to Huntelaar. The Dutchman then shook off John Terry and levelled back for the visitors.

Chelsea summoned Diego Costa and Loic Remy and after that it was a barrage of Chelsea attacks at Schalke’s goal. But the Germans stood firm and took away a respectable point back home.