BATE 0-1 Chelsea: 5 Talking Points and Tactical Analysis, Europa League 2018/19

Chelsea qualify for the knockout stages
Chelsea qualify for the knockout stages

#2 BATE provide early scare but Chelsea settle in

Frame of goal!
Frame of goal!

Under the coldest of atmospheres, BATE and their supporters looked totally up for the Chelsea challenge. Maksim Skavysh met a whipping cross and attempted an overhead kick, but his effort was just wide. The wingers played a couple of one-twos but failed to produce the final pass.

Moments later in the 11th minute, the hosts survived a cross and darted forward. Dragun teed up Dmitri Baga on the edge of the box. The right midfielder stung a fierce shot and beat Arrizabalaga's substantial frame, but was unfortunately denied by the frame of goal.

In the very next minute, Jorginho conceded a corner. Dragun's header forced another save from the Blues' custodian. The ball was stuck in that dangerous area, before being cleared by a teal blue shirt.

However, the visitors clawed their way back into the game and played pass after pass after pass as BATE setup a packed defensive structure to ensure a shut-out. The first half ended with around 78% possession in favour of Chelsea. Although they couldn't muster a shot on target, the home side never looked like getting back into the game.

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