Match report: Chelsea vs Olympiacos (Thrusday 19.02.08)
Chelsea's return to Athens ended in stalemate as Avram Grant's men denied Olympiacos a lead to defend at the Bridge in a fortnight's time.
The cold weather may have been unexpected but hot support from the Greek fans was not.
Essien, selected in midfield with captain Makelele and Ballack, fired a shot across Greek bows after only 30 seconds, the ball travelling well wide.
On 84 minutes, Ballack turned and fired in a 20-yard shot at the keeper. It was the German's last touch, exchanged for Lampard with four minutes remaining on the clock.
Chelsea (4-3-3) Cech, Belletti, Alex, Carvalho, A Cole; Essien, Makelele (c), Ballack (Lampard 86); J Cole (Anelka 74), Drogba, Malouda (Kalou 74).
Booked Alex 34, Belletti 55, Makelele 62, A Cole 90+1.
Source:
http://www.chelseafc.com/xxchelsea180706/index.html#/page/Homepage/article_1245504
Grant kept the faith in those players who survived unbeaten through difficult weeks when the squad was stretched to its limits, notably Michael Ballack, who played some of his most effective football since moving to Stamford Bridge in Lampard's absence, and Alex.
Source:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/sport/football.html?in_article_id=516491&in_page_id=1779&ct=5
Chelsea coach Avram Grant took a massive gamble in leaving both captain John Terry and midfielder Frank Lampard on the substitutes' bench against the Greek champions.
Source:
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/premiership/chelsea/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/08/02/19/SOCCER_Chelsea.html&TEAMHD=chelsea&DIV=prem&TEAM=CHELSEA&RH=Chelsea&PREV_SEASON=
Grant said: "I know who will play, how we will play, and who will be on the bench.
"I take all the decisions based on what is the best for the team. Always in Chelsea there will be big players on the bench or not playing. This is life of a manager and of the players. I think it is good for them."
"I take all the decisions based on what is the best for the team. Always in Chelsea there will be big players on the bench or not playing. This is life of a manager and of the players. I think it is good for them."
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