FC Schalke 04 vs Chelsea: Post Match

A trip to Germany in the Champions League is never easy, especially against a team at the pinnacle of German football; unbeaten in all competitions at home. That mentality was not taken on board by Chelsea as they attacked vigorously from the off, with the lack of atmosphere inspiring their flight of action at the start. A left wing corner from Fabregas was headed easily in from John Terry to stamp authority in the second minute of the game. Chelsea were linking up brilliantly, a sense of telepathy evident between each player, demonstrative of why they have been a power house so far this season. A great passage of play on the right hand side led to Willian claiming the ball and ruthlessly sending a shot in low for another goal just before the half-an-hour mark- the Shalke fans kept there despondent state surprisingly.

With half-time looming another arching corner from Fabregas on the left hand side led to Jan Kirchhoff planting a head on the ball to thump it into his own net, it was stuff of a circus, with the player forgetting which way he was meant to head the ball to clear the danger. Their consolation prize from the lucky dip in the first half was a Choupo-Moting shot that was deflected by Gary Cahill on the bar, they could still manage some of the basics.

The likes of Costa and Fabregas could of joined the parade, however a slip from Costa and shot-stop from the keeper stopped the early bout of blushes from the hosts.

The first period of the second half was probably the quietest we had seen this effortless Chelsea side. With an attacking presence still evident, while Shalke still resembled a piece of paper about to be cut into. The 66th minute led to Costa being removed from the game and allowing the legend that is Drogba to take to the fray. 10 minutes later he joined in with the raid, with a lovely aerial pass finding Willian who generously passed the ball across the keeper for Drogba to simply tap in. Now in the party spirit he even clipped in with a nifty assist for the other substitute Ramires. An over-the-top cross found the head of Ramires to calmly place it in the net. 5-0. Game over.

Crash, bang, wallop. It was something from the training ground today as Chelsea oozed professionalism and mirrored the sort of football you might see in Brazil. Top of the group secured means that Chelsea can breathe a satisfying sigh as they enter the hectic Christmas period- Sporting Lisbon of little concern now. Fabregas ran the midfield today, with the link up play proving too good for a Shalke side who looked a shadow of what they are capable of. A sound defence and attacking talent anyone would want, Chelsea’s unbeaten run marches on, with Europe’s elite going to be looking nervously over their shoulders at the prospect of facing this daunting Chelsea side.