It has been a week of testing headlines for Chelsea and their unbeaten start to the season was ended in Donetsk.
The European champions were beaten 2-1 in the Ukraine by a very impressive Shakhtar side, who seized control of Group E in the process.
Vulnerable to the quick counter attack
Throughout the match, Roberto Di Matteo’s side looked nervous and worried, not being allowed to get into a rhythm that has seen them impress so many in the Premier League this season.
The visitors fell behind after only four minutes as Alex Teixeira scored for the second successive Champions League game.
Di Matteo (pictured) said in the post-match press conference afterwards: “I think the early goal helped them massively and it is always very difficult when you concede such an early goal in a big game like that.
Problems increased when Frank Lampard had to withdraw early through injury, ruling him out of Sunday’s Premier League crunch match at home to Manchester United.
The London side seemed very vulnerable to the quick counter attack game that the talented Ukrainians were playing.
Confidence was flowing throughout the home side which isn’t too surprising, considering that they are 12 points clear in their domestic league.
Petr Cech had to be on top form to keep out several efforts either side of half-time but the killer blow in this game arrived six minutes after the restart.
Substitute Eden Hazard was caught in possession and one of the many Brazilians in the Shakhtar side, Fernandinho made it 2-0 with a beautiful finish across Cech’s goal.
Chasing shadows
The purpose and pace of the home side’s regular attacks left the Blues chasing shadows for the majority of the night.
Oscar did provide a glimmer of hope, turning in Branislav Ivanovic’s cross with two minutes left to play but Chelsea got what they deserved on the night which was nothing.
As for John Terry, he was a bystander to proceedings. The skipper who has made more front page headlines rather than back page headlines throughout the majority of the year had no influence on proceedings.
He will probably cut a forlorn figure during the next three domestic games sitting in the stands, as he serves his ban for racist abuse.
There was some consolation which Di Matteo revealed after the game, regarding Juventus and their disappointing result against FC Nordsjaelland.
“We need to win our two home games now. Consolation tonight (Tuesday) was Juve drew in Denmark and that just shows how competitive the Champions League is.”
This defeat is not a terminal blow to chances of retaining the trophy they won so gloriously in May but it is a setback and a reminder that the Blues are not invincible.
By Simon Wright – Follow me on Twitter @Siwri88
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