Champions League Group D (Group Of Death) Preview: Who will be the Champions of the Champions?

18 Yard Box looks at the Group of Death in this series of Champions League Group stages.

It seems as if the Gods have been playing mischief with Manchester City. Twice in as many years, City have been drawn into a group which not only provides drama but almost certainly provides the probability of an early elimination. A group boasting the likes of Spanish, English, Dutch and German champions (Real Madrid, Manchester City, Ajax Amsterdam and Borussia Dortmund) is sure to be deemed as the 'Group of Death'.

The chances of proceeding to the Round of 16 is 25% for each team contesting. 18 Yard Box analyses the teams involved and gives it verdict as to who will progress through.

A.     Real Madrid	B.     Manchester City
C.     Borussia Dortmund	D.     Ajax Amsterdam

Real Madrid:

The Galacticos have had a dreadful start to the season. Although they managed to pip Barcelona in their Spanish Supercup encounter, a win, a draw and a loss in the league programme have seen them drift 5 points behind Barcelona. To add to this misery Mourinho would be scratching his head as to why his team has to face the prospect of going against the Europe's elite in the group stages of the Champions League. 

However, Madrid start as favourites to cross the hurdle and reach the next round. Possessing a midfield filled with stars, Madrid will be relying on their attacking style of play to take them through, The only worry for them would be their defense. Games against Manchester City and Borussia Dormtund will be tough as both the teams have excellent runners and may catch Madrid on the break. However with Albiol and Pepe forming a good central partnership, Ramos' potential can be fulfilled in the right back section. This might prove to be a winning combination for Madrid.

Will Cristiano lead them to Champions League glory?

Manchester City:

The Citizens have been hard done by again this season. The players got a bitter taste of Champions League last season with Napoli edging them over. This season, they might face the same fate, if their performances in the Champions League remain the same. The arrivals of Jack Rodwell (from Everton), Javi Garcia (from Benfica), Maicon (from Inter Milan) and Scott Sinclair (from Swansea) has done little to strengthen the outfit they already had. They have been bought more as a cover for the existing superstars rather than to replace them.

However City's start to the season has been quite convincing and they can take heart from it and push on for the Champions League. But they will have to do much better than their existing performance as it might not be easy for them with Dortmund and Ajax proving as a major roadblock for them. 

Javi Garcia could add spark to the Manchester City midfield

Borussia Dortmund:

The yellow tangerines are in their second year of European football after having dominated the German League for two successive years. Having scored a record number of points last season, Dortmund will surely be the dark horses not only in this group but also in the whole of the Champions League. Breeding players like Goetze, Lewandowski , Bender and Hummels to name a few, Dortmund look ready to challenge the big money spenders.

Jurgen Klopp must be looking forward to test his version of 'beautiful football' and will do well if his team can replicate last year's form. The only problem lies that Dortmund have lost a key soldier. The departure of  the Bundesliga Player of the Year, Shinji Kagawa, to Manchester United may prove costly for the German outfit as they were heavily reliant on him. Mario Goetze could fill in for him but the too has returned from a long term injury and may take time.

Goetze and Lewandowski need to step up after Kagawa's departure

Ajax Amsterdam:

Based in the Dutch capital, Ajax is surely a team to watch out for. Throwing young stars like Christian Eriksen into the fray every year, Ajax has been accused of being a selling club. With stars like Jan Vertonghen, Thomas Vermaelen and Van der Weil being their latest departures, the newly crowned Dutch champions will find it tough to get through to the next stage of the Champions League. 

Although they can be regarded as a surprise package, the departures of stars every year has taken a toll on the team and the bookies will find them favourites to finish last. The only noticeable addition is Christian Poulsen. The former Liverpool man may help provide experience beside the young star Eriksen and may prove to be useful. But this still does not give Ajax the edge over the big spenders Manchester City and Real Madrid.

Is Christian Poulsen a good enough signing to bail out Ajax Amsterdam?

FINAL VERDICT

Real Madrid are favourites to top the group and advance. Manchester City might just find it tough to go forward as Dortmund are one team capable of destroying their ambitions. Both the clubs are tasting their second European outings and Dortmund, with their swift passing game, might just edge City to the next round. Ajax may have another dismal year and are touted to finish last. 

Written By,
Rishabh Ghai

Rishabh Ghai is a contributor for Goal.com India and also an Editor and writer for 18 Yard Box.

Follow Rishabh Ghai on Twitter

Champions League Group F Preview: Can Bayern go the distance?

UEFA Champions League-The biggest and the most prestigious trophy in club football is back

18 Yard Box analyses what’s in store for the fans this season.

The draws are out and the games are set to begin this month. With each year, the Champions League is getting bigger and better. 18 Yard Box’s Pranav takes a look at Group F, the group with last year’s finalists and gives his verdict as to who will go through and who will go out.

Group F

A.     Bayern Municch	B.  Valencia
C.    Lille	.                        D   BATE Borisov

Bayern Munich

The big wigs of this group certainly should be happy with their opponents for the Group stages.  With reinforcements like Mario Mandzukic, Xherdan Shaqiri and most notably Javi Martinez there is no way this team can afford to put a foot wrong in the group stages. As always, the dangerous duo of of Robben and Ribery will cause enough headaches for the opposition. Add to it Schweinsteiger,Gomez,Muller and Neuer between the posts, they look like a side which can go all the way. It should be an easy passage for the 2011-12 Runners’ Up and a semifinal spot should be the least this team must be looking at.

All eyes on the trophy

Valencia

The perennial dark horses of La Liga face a tough challenge against Lille and Bayern Munich in their group. Having not gone past the group stages the last time round Valencia will have to show the audiences that they are a really good team. Jordi Alba, who was instrumental in their campaign last season will be sorely missed by the fans. Roberto Soldado is the man to look at when it comes to Valencia, a regular goal-scorer, certainly one of the underrated forwards of the game. If he starts firing, the opposition better watch out.

Goal Machine

Lille

Losing Hazard was probably imminent but it does leave big shoes to fill in this French outfit. They got through the playoffs without much trouble but Final 32 will be a different thing altogether. Tulio de melo and Salomon Kalou do form a potent strike force but it remains to be seen how they will function without  the services of Hazard and not to forget Joe Cole. Overall, going ahead of the group stages will be a good performance for them.

Kalou and Tulio- Deadly Duo!

BATE Borisov

Hardly anyone knows about this Belarusian outfit who are making their 2^nd successive Champions League appearance this season.  Having been Belarusian Champions for the past six years, BATE are surely no pushovers. Alexander Hleb is the only big name in the side, but then they look like a well-knit unit. Looking at the group, BATE have the slimmest chance of qualifying but then an upset is something the neutrals would love to see. Former Gunner Alexander Hleb will be the man to watch out for the opponents.

Watch out for BATE

FINAL VERDICT

Bayern Munich should clearly finish on top of the table. It’s the battle for the 2^nd spot which will be worth looking forward to. With experience on their side, expect Valencia to finish ahead of Lille. The French outfit should find themselves in a Europa League spot with BATE Borisov at the bottom, unless they have some other plans.

Written By,

Pranav Byatnal

Pranav is an Editor and Writer at 18 Yard Box.

Weekly Feature: Premier League's under-performing XI

18 Yard Box brings you its weekly dose of the 'Underperforming XI' of the week.

As we complete week three and the Premier League table starts to take the semblance of a shape it’s time look back at the past week and analyze the worst players who were on the pitch for their teams. The list that no player wants to be on but gets his name in it if plays miserably. 

18 Yard Box's Apratim has a look at the worst team possible of the week.

Premier League's worst XI of the week

Goalkeeper: Pepe Reina (Liverpool) 

The usually solid custodian has made a shaky start to the season and the goals he conceded against Arsenal will not bring up his confidence by an ounce whatsoever. Despite the pace in Podolski’s strike he really should have done better covering up the angle. And the less said about Cazorla’s goal which saw the ball squirming under him into the back of the net, the better.

Left Back: Assaou Ekotto (Tottenham)

An uncharacteristically poor game from the usually reliable Spurs left back. Gave the ball away to often, and offered little going forward. Snodgrass got the better of him time and time again as the Spurs full back tried hard to turn the outing into a complete nightmare for himself as he tugged ardently away at Morrison’s shirt in the penalty box. An overall poor performance.

Right Back: Figueroa (Wigan)

Not exactly a conventional right-back, but then Wigan hardly ever play a conventional back four. Every single person in England knows what they are going to be up against when playing Stoke City. If a defender cannot handle headers and aerial threats after one week of planning on how to play Stoke City, then he should have even lesser complaints on appearing on this list than when Pepe gets carded for Real Madrid.

Centre Back: Anton Ferdinand (QPR)

Often a shining light in QPR’s struggling defence last season, all the glow seems to be dimming out. Was exposed time and again by the ferocity of Carlos Tevez, Ferdinand did his best to ensure that the Argentinian and his Bosnian co-striker did not have to fight too hard to find space in between the defensive midfield and back four line of QPR.

Centre Back: Ryan Nelsen (QPR)

Ensuring that his central defensive partner did not make the list all on his own Ryan Nelsen storms into the list on the back of a terrible performance against, to be fair to him, the champions of England and the team which looks the strongest to retain the title while United try to make sense of their back four and Chelsea try to wake up from the nightmare that was Radamel Falcao. Nelsen isn’t a bad player on his day and is an excellent headerer of the ball but he simply cannot deal with any pace and guile around him.

Left Mid/Right Mid: Fabio Borini (Liverpool)

The less said the better. Borini has not been the striker Liverpool manger Brendan Rodgers was claiming to be. Weak with his dribbling so far and unable to open up the defence, Borini has been less than impressive. He has not been able to adjust to the pace of the Premier League so far and has to do better if has to keep his spot in the starting 11 fixed. His poor performance against Arsenal sees him making the teamsheet of the 11 worst players of the League.

Left Mid/Right Mid: Ji Sung Park (QPR)

We all know Park’s strengths. He can do a bit of everything. A bit of tackling, a bit of creative passing, and even occasionally a bit of goal poaching. But that’s also his biggest weakness sometimes since he ends up not knowing what exactly his role is in the midfield. And it certainly seemed that way last weekend against the champions as he ran around and hounded for the ball but received very little of it and did it even lesser on the rare occasions he did get the ball.

Centre Mid: Steven Gerard (Liverpool)

No one likes to be on this list for even one week. But when it’s been two weeks running, there is a bigger problem. And the problem here lies in constrasting philosophies. Kevin Yap summed it up perfectly when he said “Gerard is all gung-ho, box to box dynamism whereas Brendan Rodgers is all about ball retention and short, safe, intricate passing”. Gave away the ball which lead to Arsenal’s first goal and played so poorly during the second half that Diaby began calling himself Arsenal’s Yaya Toure.

Left Forward: Rodallega (Fulham)

The former Wigan man must be wishing he hadn’t left his former club now given the impressive displays that Wigan have put in after their first week disaster against Chelsea. His own display last week can hardly be considered even close to impressive as he spent most of the time picking out wrong balls to play into areas where Petric had not thought of running into or taking tame shots at Jaaskeleinen.

Centre Forward: Pappis Cisse (Newcastle)

Another man, along with Gerard, who was probably at the start of the season expecting to see his name twice in two weeks on the top-11 players list but has the misfortune of finding it on this one instead. The man who defined Newtonian physics last year with a goal only he knows how he managed to score at the Bridge is trying hard to prove that he was a one season wonder by shooting straight into the keepers hands from six yards out. One of the main reasons that Newcastle’s attack has been looking so toothless recently. Alan Pardew must be thanking the Toon Gods that a certain mercurial Frenchman by the name of Ben Arfa is smashing goals in from all areas of the pitch.

Right Forward: Luis Suarez (Liverpool) 

The usually brilliant Suarez had an off day on Sunday. In front of his own crowd he did little to weave magic which he usually does. Couldnt get past Vermaelen and Gibbs on the right and did little to get shots on target. He neither provided nor scored and missed costly free kicks from the edge of the box. He cut himself a lonely figure up front. A huge dip in performance from last week’s performance against Manchester City sees him making the cut for Underperforming 11 of the week.

The other players to have just missed out on the list are Brett Holman and Gareth Bale both of whom had a terrible night.

Written By,

Apratim Mukherjee

Apratim is an Editor and writer for 18 Yard Box

Champions League Group C Preview: Will Milan live upto their repuatation

With the UEFA Champions League set to return this month, 18 Yard Box analyses the draws of the Group Stages and what the fans have to look forward to from the early days of Europe’s elite competition.

The Champions League is back. The draws are made. The opponents decided. Now its just time for the players to step on the pitch and recreate magic. 18 Yard Box's Aman looks at the Group C of the League and gives his verdict as to who will go through to the Round of 16.

Group C

A.     AC Milan	B.     Zenit St. Petersburg
C.     Malaga CF	D.     Anderlecht

AC Milan

Arguably, one of the least exciting groups (except for their own fans), AC Milan appear slightly ahead of others in this one. Although Milan have sold most of the players, players who made them so successful in the past decade, they have replaced some of them with promising youngsters. Having said that, they are definitely going to miss the spark Ibrahimovic used to provide upfront and the defensive steel which Thiago Silva used to add to their backline. The addition of Pazzini, De Jong might refresh the squad but this could surely be called as a transition phase of the club and not much will be expected of them this season. Challenging (and losing) for the Serie A title and passage of the group stages in the Chamions League will be least expected of them and considering the opponents they face (including dark horses Malaga CF), it could be easier said than done. The experience of winning the Champions League will certainly have its effects but with most players who won them the crown now gone, this new look Milan side could certainly bite the dust earlier than expected.

Can De Jong bring back the lost glories ?

Zenit St. Petersburg

Zenit St. Petersburg is one team who have that experience of winning a European Competition and thus cannot be taken lightly. With the recent acquiring of the Brazil international Hulk, the recently crowned Russian Champions have that spark in them which has led them to win the League twice in last three seasons. Overcoming the mighty rich Anzhi Makhachkala and 9 time winners Spartak Moscow, Zenit won the championship and will want themselves to be taken seriously in the Champions League. They made it through to the knock out stages last time around only to lose narrowly to Benfica. Thus, one could certainly expect them to at least match their achievements this season.

A smashing 50m pound move will see Hulk play for Zenit

Malaga CF

With their year old owner having lost interest in the funding of new players, subsequently looking for new investors, Malaga CF are in deep financial trouble. Just about a year ago , the had players of Santi Cazorla’s calibre coming in and taking the clubs to new heights (read 4^th place finish in La Liga and thus Champions League Qualification) while only one year later, those players have departed for greener pastures (Cazorla and Rondon) and are being replaced by cheaper reinforcements. Although, performances on the pitch have been decent with younger players from their academy stepping up, their first season in the Champions League is surely not expected to go long. A group stage exit is expected until the players have something different in mind.

Cazorla and Rondon have both left Malaga in dire state

Anderlecht

Belgian Champions Anderlecht have always been underwhelming when it comes to the European stage. Although their qualification is never as issue considering they are one of the major forces in the Belgian League, their performances in the Champions Leagues so far has let their fans down. Having lost their most creative players in Lukaku and De Bruyne in recent seasons, whom they have failed to replace aptly, not much will be expected from them in their European campaign. With Lucas Biglia the lone man leading them, a third place finish which will take them to the knock out rounds of the Europa Cup will be something their fans will be delighted with.

Lucas Biglia is the only notable star player still at Anderlecht

THE FINAL VERDICT-

Although AC Milan might have hiccups on the way, finishing atop their group shouldn't be a problem. They still have enough firepower with the likes of Pazzini, De Jong coming in and refreshing the squad. Zenit should do enough to finish as runner up to Milan especially now that Hulk is reportedly joining their squad as the transfer window nears its end. Anderlecht, as I expect will go to the Europa League after finishing behind the Italians and the Russians where as Spanish side Malaga will finish bottom of the group which by all means will be a disappointment for their fans.


Written By,
Aman Arora

Aman is a contributor for Sportskeeda and also an Editor and writer at 18 Yard Box

Modric delight: A look at where he will fit in the Galaticos system

18 Yard Box looks at how Modric will fit in the Madrid system.

With a summer long transfer saga of Luka Modric (to Real Madrid) finally coming to an end with Dainel Levy finally letting go of his playmaker for a reported 33 Million Pounds (which he was still unhappy with considering that fee included 6 Million Pounds in add-ons), 18 Yard Box looks at what Modric can add to an already star studded Real Madrid midfield.

Modric set to be used as a replacement of Ozil

Having seen him play a central attacking role, more of a second striker at Spurs, one would assume that Mourinho would be foolish to use him at any other part of the pitch. This considering his passing is so accurate coupled with that kind of a vision, it is hard to be tempted to tinker with his position. But having seen Ozil play the role with relative ease, and Kaka be the perfect replacement whenever Ozil is injured or tired, seeing Modric in starting eleven looks like difficult.

Ozil will have tough competition

Mourinho to tinker with his set up

The only way he can get into the first 11 is if Mourinho chooses to play Ronaldo upfront as the lone striker (considering how he needs to ramp up his scoring to catch up with Messi for the Pichichi this season), which will see either Ozil or Modric shift to the left in the pretty standard 4-2-3-1 which Mourinho uses in maximum of his games. Even though this is unlikely because it will simply take the fun out of watching Ronaldo terrorise the Right Back of his teams’ opponents.

Mourinho has work on his hands

Modric as deep lying playmaker

Having seen Juande Ramos use Modric in that role in early part of the 2008 season, and his subsequent inability to fit in that role, Mourinho is unlikely to use his new expensive toy here. A certain lack of physical strength in Modric makes it very difficult for him to face and tackle attacking, flair players which almost makes it impossible for him to win back the ball, the very reason why a defensive midfielder is used.

One man he could replace is the ever reliable Xabi Alonso, considering both are players in the similar mould with great vision and passing ability. Although Modric would bring a certain unrequired flair to this position, he could make his own considering recent reports of Alonso’s decline to a new contract extension and that he is on the wrong side of 30. Although this looks like a unlikely tactic, Mourinho could try it in certain unfancied Cup ties.

Will he replace the Spaniard?

Modric to replace the unreliable Di Maria ?

Considering Modric’s versitality across the attacking positions in the midfield, he could certainly unsettle Di Maria and take his place in the starting eleven. Often very creative, Di Maria is a bit too inconsistent making the right side of their midfield a bit predictable at times. Modric is completely capable to play on the right, although he prefers left, this could be one position which Modric could make his own if he adapts rightly. 

Is Di Maria's time up?

Written By,

Aman Arora

Aman is an Editor and writer for 18 Yard Box.

Liverpool V/S Arsenal : Preview

The Gunners return to Liverpool's den on Sunday to take on the Merseysiders. 18 Yard Box's Rishabh Ghai analyzes the high profile clash between the two Premier League giants.

Van Persie's thunderous volley won it for Arsenal last time they visited Ainfield. Alex Song's pick was one to savour for as the duo had combined yet again to produce a replica of a goal they combined to score against the Liverpool's rivals Everton. With Van Persie and Alex Song both changing loyalties this year, Arsenal will have to dig in deep if they want to repeat their last year's heroics. 

The arrival of Brendon Rodgers has caused a sense of uncertainty in the Liverpool camp as to where the club is heading to. However their performance against City showed that on their day Liverpool can give a fight to any team in the world. 

18 Yard Box compares the two teams and gives its verdict as to who will come out on tops.

Liverpool

Arrival of Brendon Rodgers from Swansea City has seen Liverpool fans get excited. Although a commendable work was done by the former Reading manager at Swansea, managing the Merseyside will be a different ball game. However, Liverpool fans will have a grin on their faces with the coming of Nuri Sahin on loan from Real Madrid. The Turkish midfielder has been a long time Arsenal target but Wenger has failed to sign him yet again seeing him seek refuge in the Liverpool camp for first team opportunities- A small victory which Liverpool fans will boast about. However great work has to be done, if Liverpool are to defeat the sturdy Arsenal defence.

Strengths:

Liverpool's strength is in Gerrard and Suarez. Ever since the departure of Fernando Torres to Chelsea, Luis Suarez has taken over the goal scoring mantel from the Spaniard. Arguably one of the best strikers in the Premier League, Suarez showed his class by scoring a long range free kick against Manchester City last weekend. He will surely be the man to watch out for the Arsenal defence. Although Gerrard was less than impressive in the last game, 'Mr. Liverpool' has always risen to the occasion in big games. Another positive for Liverpool is their new recruit Sahin. He might just be the man that Liverpool were looking for to fill in the void created by Xabi Alonso's departure. Moreover the Turkish midfielder will look to prove Wenger wrong by giving a good performance.

Weakness:

Liverpool' defence is their concern. Normally a top defensive unit, a 3-0 thumping by a meagre West Brom followed by a disappointing 2-2 draw against City has seen Liverpool struggle in defence this season. Although flashes of brilliance were shown at the back, the Liverpool defence lacks consistency. Joe Allen has to do a little more to help the last four and has left them vulnerable to counter-attacks quite often. 

Importance of a win:

Liverpool need the win more than Arsenal if they are to begin their journey to restore their glory days back at the club. Brendan Rodgers would like to prove that he is no one season miracle and he is more than capable of handling a big club. Liverpool's hunt for next season's Champions League spot may receive a heavy set back were they to lose against the Gunners. 

Head to Head

	Liverpool	Arsenal
Wins	5	13
Losses	13	5
Draws	9	9
Goals per match	1.4	1.6

Arsenal

It has been almost two weeks since Van Persie has departed Arsenal. However the ghost of his departure has not left the Gunners. Having played two 0-0 stalemates against Sunderland and Stoke City in the first two Premier League fixtures, Arsenal are languishing in the bottom half of the table. The Gunners' cavalry has not yet risen to the occasion. Santi Cazorla, Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud have certainly looked impressive but are still finding their feet in the fast paced nature of the Premier League. Moreover, with the departure of Alex Song to Barcelona, Arsenal's summer seems to going from bad worse. Arsene Wenger will do well to start with Giroud, Podolski and Gervinho upfront with Walcott's contract talks on the verge of a breakdown. 

Strengths:

Its unusual to say that Arsenal's strength lies in its defence so far. Its been long time since Arsenal have managed to keep a clean sheet for two consecutive games and the recruitment of Steve Bould as assistant manager might bring the days of 'One nil to the Arsenal' back again. In Per Mertersacker and Thomas Vermaelen Arsenal have found a sturdy centre back combination. Carl Jenkinson has looked impressive in defence and Kieran Gibbs has taken over from Gael Clichy. Arsenal's defense will only be strengthened by the come back of Laurent Koscielny who has been excellent so far.

Weakness:

Arsenal's frontline looks to be lacking match fitness. Although gifted with the choice of two prolific goal scorers, Arsenal have been unable to open their account for the season. Cazorla looks like he could be the man to end Arsenal's temporary goal-scoring drought but has been ineffective so far. Arsenal's midfield of Diaby and Arteta look good but are reliant on being a little more defensive this term. This has left Cazorla the lone attacking midfielder and make sit easy for the teams to dispossess him.

Importance of a win:

Arsenal need to better their previous season. With fans getting frustrated with the board's transfer policies, pressure will be on the team to deliver. Arsenal's start has although looked slow but still their passing has looked quite sharp. A win against Liverpool is definitely needed to keep up the pace with Chelsea. If Arsenal fail to win then they might face the possibility of a Deja Vu of last season all over again.

The Verdict

Liverpool's arrivals have shown less promise than Arsenal's. Moreover, the Gunners look to edge the Liverpool in terms of quality. However, Liverpool have got what Arsenal havent- Luis Suarez. The little Uruguayan had troubled Arsenal last time the two teams met and will look to do it again. The game will be highly open as Rodgers and Wenger follow the same brand of 'beautiful football'. If recent history were to be seen a 1-1 draw seems to be a fair result.

Written By,
Rishabh Ghai

Rishabh Ghai is a contributor for Goal.com India and an Editor and writer for 18 Yard Box.

Top 5 reasons why Chelsea lost the European Supercup

Chelsea took on Atletico Madrid in the Champions League curtain raiser. 18 Yard Box analyse the top 5 reasons why Chelsea failed to over haul their Spanish opponents.

Chelsea simply failed to turn up for the game

Chelsea were just not there

Having 9 points in the first three games of the EPL season, Hazard playing brilliantly all over the pitch and a scoring Fernando Torres was probably too much to handle for the European Champions. A bit too confident Chelsea arrived in Monaco taking a clinical Atletico Madrid side very lightly. The way they started the match showed it all. Midfielders showing no conviction in their passing, full backs not pushing up, a sloppy Hazard made Chelsea fans worry about the result of this game. Although Radamel Falcao made it clear early on that given the time and space, he will not be affected by the big stage yesterday night.

Sloppy passing all over the pitch

Chelsea were outplayed in the middle of the park

John Obi Mikel reached the epitome of sloppy passing in the game. Being over ambitious most of the times, he tried passes which even someone like Xabi Alonso would be shy to attempt. Failing to spot the runs of advanced midfielders, thus cutting their supply, he lost the ball to the opposition on most occasions. Usually a decent passer and a holder of the ball, he was much below the level which is expected of him.

Although, Lampard and Mata passed well, there was simply no support from their fellow players as there usually is. Hazard was not give the time and space on the ball by the Atletico defence and Chelsea might be starting to get over dependent on the young Belgian, which is for sure too much and indeed too soon.

Fernando Torres had a decent game. Although he just had one shot to his name, he hardly got involved in the game and the midfielders simply failed to give him the supply he relishes.

Ivanovic's worst nights in a Chelsea shirt

Ivanovic had a terrible day at work

In what was a surprise to many fans, Ivanovic’s defending was poor. He was being given a torrid time by Atletico’s midfield. Being overrun throughout the 90 minutes, there was absolutely no cover from either of Ramires or Oscar(who replaced Ramires on the 45 minute mark) which left  Chelsea’s defence terribly exposed. Add to this, his poor overlapping of the wingers and poor passing made it a night to forget for the Serbian.

Cahill and Luiz failed to shine

John Terry's absence was dearly felt

All Chelsea fans who watched their pairing in the Champions League Semi-Final and Final last season (and I think there will be many) will fail to understand why they looked so lost on the pitch today. Falcao gave both of them a night to forget as his little runs in between the two centre backs gave them a terrible game. They failed to coordinate and spot his runs and the Coulombian took full advantage of this scoring a memorable hat-rick in a Final.

The Falcao Factor

Falcao's audacious chip followed by a curler topped up by an exquisite finish sealed his hattrick

This man has certainly got his scoring boots with him from Porto. Having taken no time to settle last year, he has set this season alight already with 6 goals to his name in all competitions. Creating a scoring opportunity with absolutely nothing, Atletico’s midfielders just have to supply him with half decent balls and hope for him to shine. And he doesn’t disappoint. With a wonderful little run behind David Luiz, he clinically chipped Petr Cech for his first of the night. His second came after Ashley Cole decided to give him a split second inside the box which allowed him to stabilise himself and release a delicious left footed drive which caught Cech off his line. His third came after brilliant work from Turan who laid in his path a wonderful ball and the rest as they say was history. So, Falcao did prove a bit too much to handle for the Chelsea defence.

Written By,
Aman Arora

Aman is an editor and writer for 18 Yard Box