Champions League: Maribor 1-1 Chelsea – Matic On Target As Blues Struggle In Slovenia (Photos & Highlights)

Alan Duffy

6th, November 2014

By Alan Duffy

NK Maribor 1-1 Chelsea – Champions League – 5th November 2014

Despite hammering their Slovenian opponents 6-0 at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea found Maribor a tougher nut to crack on their home turf.

The Blues produced a below-par first-half display which prompted Jose Mourinho to send on Diego Costa and Oscar at the break (for Andre Schurrle and Willian). However, it was the hosts who took the lead soon after, courtesy of a fine curling effort from Agim Ibraimi.

The visitors battled back and eventually got the goal their second-half performance deserved, when Nemanja Matic netted from close-range. Eden Hazard had a great chance to win the game for the Blues, only for Jasmin Handanovic to save his weak penalty kick.

Chelsea are now three points clear at the top of Group G and needing one win from their last two games to qualify.

Photos…

Highlights…

Photos: Getty Images

Highlights: Footytube