News APP

NewsApp (Free)

Read news as it happens
Download NewsApp

Available on  gplay

Home  » Sports » Essien strike puts Chelsea into semis

Essien strike puts Chelsea into semis

Last updated on: April 11, 2007 02:46 IST
Get Rediff News in your Inbox:

Chelsea went through to the Champions League semi-finals for the third time in four seasons after a dramatic last-gasp strike from Michael Essien earned a 2-1 win over Valencia on Tuesday.

Champions League quarter-finals
Man United 7 [1st leg: 1-2] AS Roma 1
Chelsea 2 [1st leg: 1-1] Valencia 1

The 3-2 aggregate victory meant Jose Mourinho's team became the first English side to win at the Mestalla in 40 years, emulating Leeds United who won 2-0 there in the Fairs Cup in 1967.

Chelsea looked to be in trouble when Fernando Morientes gave a sharp-looking Valencia the lead 13 minutes before halftime after he slid in to steer a Joaquin cross into the net.

But after a stuttering first-half performance, Chelsea came out firing on all cylinders in the second and levelled when striker Andriy Shevchenko squeezed in a close-range shot after an Essien free kick.

The midfielder, who will miss the first leg of the semi-final after picking up an early booking, then secured the win when he blasted a shot past Santiago Canizares in the final minute.

Get Rediff News in your Inbox:
Source: REUTERS
© Copyright 2024 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.

Paris Olympics 2024

India's Tour Of Australia 2024-25