On May 2, 2013, Chelsea hosted FC Basel in the second leg of their UEFA Europa League semi-final at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea secured a 3-1 victory, winning 5-2 on aggregate, and advanced to the Europa League final. The match was a thrilling contest, with Chelsea overturning a first-half deficit to dominate in the second half.
Key Statistics and Analysis
- Scoreline and Goal Timings:
- Chelsea: 3 (Fernando Torres 50′, Victor Moses 52′, David Luiz 59′)
- FC Basel: 1 (Mohamed Salah 45+1′)
- Aggregate: Chelsea 5-2 FC Basel
- Possession:
- Chelsea had 52% possession, while FC Basel had 48%. Chelsea’s balanced approach allowed them to control key phases of the game, while Basel tried to use their possession to create chances, especially in the first half.
- Shots:
- Chelsea registered 19 shots, with 8 on target, reflecting their clinical approach in front of goal during the second half. FC Basel managed 10 shots, with 3 on target, but they struggled to maintain momentum after Chelsea’s quick goals in the second half.
- Passing Accuracy:
- Chelsea had a passing accuracy of 83%, completing 470 passes out of 566 attempts. FC Basel had a passing accuracy of 81%, completing 415 passes out of 511 attempts. Chelsea’s better control in midfield, particularly after halftime, allowed them to break down Basel’s defense and create high-quality chances.
- Defensive Statistics:
- Chelsea made 14 tackles compared to FC Basel’s 16, showing the physical contest in midfield. Chelsea’s defense, led by Gary Cahill and Branislav Ivanović, was resolute in the second half, allowing only limited opportunities for Basel after they took the lead before the break.
- Set Pieces:
- Chelsea’s first goal came from open play when Fernando Torres equalized in the 50th minute after pouncing on a loose ball in the box. Just two minutes later, Victor Moses added Chelsea’s second, scoring from close range after Basel failed to clear their lines. David Luiz scored Chelsea’s third goal with a stunning long-range shot in the 59th minute, capping off a dominant spell. Basel’s lone goal came in first-half stoppage time when Mohamed Salah finished off a well-timed counter-attack with a composed finish.
- Individual Performances:
- David Luiz was one of the standout performers, not only scoring a brilliant goal but also contributing with his defensive work in midfield. Fernando Torres and Victor Moses were also key, both scoring in quick succession to turn the match around. Mohamed Salah was Basel’s most dangerous player, using his pace to trouble Chelsea’s defense and scoring their only goal of the game.
- Tactical Overview:
- Chelsea, managed by Rafael Benítez, used a 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on controlling midfield and using quick transitions to exploit gaps in Basel’s defense. Basel, under Murat Yakin, also played a 4-2-3-1 formation but found it difficult to maintain their intensity after halftime. Chelsea’s ability to press higher up the pitch and force mistakes was crucial in the second half.
- Disciplinary:
- The match saw four yellow cards, two for each team. Chelsea’s Fernando Torres and Ramires were booked, while Basel’s Mohamed Elneny and Fabian Schär received yellow cards for tactical fouls.
- Corners and Offsides:
- Chelsea won 7 corners compared to FC Basel’s 3, reflecting their sustained pressure in the attacking third, especially in the second half. Both teams were caught offside three times, indicating their attempts to play high lines and stretch the opposition’s defense.
Summary
Chelsea’s 3-1 victory over FC Basel in the second leg of the UEFA Europa League semi-final secured their place in the final with a 5-2 aggregate win. After conceding late in the first half to a goal from Mohamed Salah, Chelsea responded with a dominant second-half performance, scoring three goals in a nine-minute spell to take control of the match.
Fernando Torres and Victor Moses scored within two minutes of each other to put Chelsea ahead, and David Luiz capped off the victory with a spectacular long-range goal. Basel, who had started the match brightly, were unable to recover after Chelsea’s quickfire goals, and their hopes of reaching the final faded as Chelsea tightened their grip on the game.
Chelsea’s second-half intensity, clinical finishing, and defensive organization were key to their success. The victory set up a Europa League final against Benfica, where Chelsea aimed to win their second European trophy in two years, following their Champions League triumph in 2012. For Basel, the defeat marked the end of a spirited European campaign, but they were outclassed by Chelsea’s quality in the crucial moments of the tie.
