Cesar Azpilicueta admits Chelsea’s entertaining 2-2 draw with Valencia had a bit of ‘everything’ as the club secured a result in Spain to leave their Champions League destiny in their own hands.
In a topsy-turvy contest Chelsea fell behind to Carlos Soler’s strike at the Mestalla, only to find themselves level immediately through Mateo Kovacic’s first goal for the club.
Frank Lampard’s side would take the lead early in the second period courtesy of a goal from Christian Pulisic, the goal given following consultation with VAR.
Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga would then play a huge role in the remainder of the contest, going from hero to zero after first saving brilliantly from Dani Parejo’s penalty, only to be caught out as Daniel Wass’ cross-come-shot sailed over his head to gift Valencia an equaliser with eight minutes remaining.
4-4 vs. Ajax
2-2 vs. ValenciaChelsea are must-watch in the Champions League right now ? pic.twitter.com/WXh9e5rA7Q
— B/R Football (@brfootball) November 27, 2019
Chelsea will now secure qualification for the knock-out stages if they beat Lille at Stamford Bridge in their final group fixture, though it was not all good news after top scorer Tammy Abraham was stretchered off after falling awkwardly.
Azpilicueta admitted the result could have gone either way as both sides missed chances late on, an entertaining encounter resulting in a draw that leaves Chelsea’s fate in their own hands.
“We had chances to win the game, and our focus was to win and close the qualification,” the Blues skipper told BT Sport.
”We had a good reaction to the first goal and when we were 2-1 up we should have created more danger, more chances.
“Valencia are a good team, they have quality, and they pushed to the end because they wanted to qualify as well.
“It was a good game. Both teams wanted to win, they had chances, there was a penalty, VAR – everything. We’d prefer to have the three points but we have qualification in our hands against Lille at home.”
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