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Champions league comebacks have always been a thing of beauty. Games that are nicely balanced are suddenly taken control of by one team which decided to grab it by the scruff of the neck. The teams which generally make a comeback are the ones who exhibit enough mental strength to not be overcome by the fact that they are trailing. Over the course of the last 10 years, one can definitely say that Chelsea are one such team.
Chelsea’s 3-1 loss in Paris to PSG was a big blow to the club’s Champions League ambition. The Blues would have to defy the odds once again, if they have to qualify for the semifinal stage.
Jose Mourinho sounded pretty confident in his press conference as he said Chelsea could progress. The manager said “I think we are going to win, really. In the end of the two legs, I think we are going to score more goals than them.”
He also said that his players are confident and urged them to enjoy the risk of the situation.
“I believe and my players believe. That’s the most important thing,” said the Portuguese manager.
Chelsea are unbeaten in their last 18 home games and their Champions League history give them every right to believe that another turnaround is possible at Stamford Bridge. As far as the Blues’ fans are concerned, here’s how they can draw inspiration from a few famous Champions League comebacks scripted by their club in the Champions League to prepare for tonight’s match.
3. Chelsea 4-2 Barcelona, 2005
Chelsea needed a big win at Stamford Bridge to qualify for the quarterfinals having lost the first leg 2-1 at Camp Nou. The Blues started the game aggressively and rushed to a 3-0 lead in the first 18 minutes, with goals coming from Eidur Gudjohnsen, Frank Lampard and Damien Duff.
The first-half witnessed two more goals, but this time for Barcelona. Ronaldinho scored from the spot for the Catalans and hit a stunning shot to make it 3-2. The prospect of qualification became gloomy for the English club, but the headed goal from John Terry after 75th minute came as a huge respite for the Blues supporter, as Chelsea ensured qualification into the last eight.
2. Chelsea 2-0 Fenerbahce, 2008
Frank Lampard scoring against Fenerbahce
Chelsea was pitted against Fenerbahce in the last eight tie of the 2008 competition. The Londoners were expected to easily sail into the semifinals of the tournament, but their journey became jittery as they lost their first leg tie 2-1 in Turkey. The game at Stamford Bridge started on a positive note for Chelsea, as Michael Ballack scored for the Londoners after just 4 minutes.
The tension among the Blues supporters was palpable at Stamford Bridge that night, as the Turkish club looked for the equalizer. The majority of the second-half was controlled by Fenerbahce, as Chelsea seemed happy to give away possession and sit back. The drama continued till the very end, when Lampard scored on the 87th minute to ensure Chelsea’s qualification.
1. Chelsea 4-1 Napoli, 2012
Chelsea come back to win 4-1 in extra time.
Arguably the most famous Champions League comeback in recent times. Chelsea manager Andres Villas-Boas opted to bench the so called old guard, which consisted of Terry, Ashley Cole, Michael Essien and Lampard for the first-leg, as Chelsea lost 3-1 to Napoli. This loss proved to be Andres Villas-Boas’ last European game as Chelsea manager. Assistant manager Roberto Di Matteo was promoted as the interim manager and that started a fightback.
A renewed Chelsea under their new manager hit the ground running, as Didier Drogba opened the scoring after 27th minute followed by another first-half goal from Terry. Napoli pulled one goal back in second-half through Gokhan Inler after which Lampard scored for Chelsea from the spot to take the game into extra-time.
Branislav Ivanovic scored the all important decisive goal in the 105th minute to script a famous comeback. This unimaginable comeback worked as a catalyst for the Londoners, who then went on to win the European Trophy against Bayern Munich.
All 3 games give a clear indication that when the chips are down, Chelsea Football Club always find ways to get past their obstacles and move to the next level.
