UEFA Champions League Round of 16: Chelsea 8–1 Liverpool (Agg)
At Drogba Arena, Chelsea produced one of their most emphatic UEFA Champions League performances in recent memory, thrashing domestic rivals Liverpool 5–0 in the second leg and sealing an astonishing 8–1 aggregate victory to march into the quarter-finals.
First Leg Foundation
The groundwork was laid at Anfield, where Chelsea stunned the Kop with a commanding 3–1 victory. But what followed in London was a brutal, clinical dismantling of Jurgen Klopp’s side. Chelsea were in complete control from start to finish, combining possession dominance with ruthless finishing.
Match Summary
- Goals: Crichton (16′), Júnior (17′, 34′), Jairzinho (66′), Rogério José (75′)
- Attendance: 82,381
- Player of the Match: Scott Crichton (8.4 match rating, 1 goal)
Scott Crichton opened the scoring with a header from close range, showcasing his movement and finishing instincts. Just a minute later, Júnior doubled the lead with a sharp effort after a defensive lapse by Scaringi. The Brazilian striker would go on to net another in the 34th minute following another Liverpool error, before Jairzinho and Rogério José added the finishing touches with strikes in the second half.
Dominance by the Numbers
- Shots: Chelsea 19 – 4 Liverpool
- xG: Chelsea 2.21 – 0.40 Liverpool
- Possession: Chelsea 54%
- On Target: Chelsea 12 – 0 Liverpool
Chelsea’s attacking movement, spearheaded by Crichton, Jairzinho, and Júnior, was simply too much for Liverpool’s disjointed back line. The Reds failed to register a single shot on target over 90 minutes, and the xG gulf underscored the mismatch.
Post-Match Reactions
Liverpool manager Nikola Vlašić admitted the defeat was hard to swallow, telling reporters: “We can take some positives from the match and the performance but we didn’t get the result we wanted and in an important match like this it’s tough to swallow.”
Meanwhile, Chelsea winger Scott Crichton was lauded for his brilliant showing, both in attack and off the ball. The 25-year-old recorded 4 dribbles, 1 goal, and covered over 11.5km during the match.
Del Lama Scouts Brazil’s Future
In the stands was Brazil manager Jackson Del Lama, reportedly monitoring the performances of Jairzinho, Pelé, and Júnior – all of whom impressed. Júnior’s double will surely put him in strong contention for a starting berth in the Seleção’s next call-up.
Looking Ahead
Chelsea move into the last eight brimming with confidence. Their name is already etched among the favourites – a status bolstered by their relentless form and the sharpness of their attacking trident.
The quarter-final picture is beginning to take shape. Arsenal progressed past Bayern Munich with a 3–0 aggregate win, while FC Nantes sent Manchester UFC packing with a disciplined 3–1 triumph over two legs. With heavyweights falling, Chelsea and Nantes are now among the few confirmed quarter-finalists – and the competition is wide open.