Chelsea 4-3 Slavia Prague (5-3 agg): Blues survive second half fightback from visitors to reach Europa League semi-finals

Chelsea 4-3 Slavia Prague (5-3 agg): Blues survive second half fightback from visitors to reach Europa League semi-finals
Chelsea made it through to the semi-finals of the Europa League but it was far from a comfortable win against Slavia Prague at Stamford Bridge.The Blues were 4-1 up after 27 minutes into the match and looked capable of scoring several more before the end.A second-half fight back by the visitors, and two superb long-distance goals from Petr Sevcik, saw a nervy Chelsea claim a 4-3 win and a 5-3 aggregate victory.4

Pedro opens the scoring for Chelsea

Maurizio Sarri named a strong side at Stamford Bridge with both Eden Hazard and N’Golo Kante starting, with both rested for the first leg in Prague.It took just five minutes for Chelsea to double their aggregate lead as Pedro produced a sublime dinked finish after a neat one-two with striker Olivier Giroud.And the tie appeared as though it was as good as over just five minutes later as the Blues doubled their lead on the night. Another smart team move set Pedro up with a simple tap-in from close range.4

Olivier Giroud scores Chelsea’s third

But the Spanish winger inexplicably fired his effort against the post, only for it to bounce up into the face of Slavia Prague defender Simon Deli and rebound into the net.The goals just kept coming for Sarri’s rampant Chelsea, who had their third after 17 minutes with Pedro this time the provider.He squared for Giroud to score his 10th Europa League goal of the season.The visitors, trailing 4-0 on aggregate, pulled a goal back through captain Tomas Soucek who headed in unmarked from a corner.4

Tomas Soucek gets on back for Slavia Prague

But moments later Chelsea restored that advantage with their fourth goal of the night as Pedro bundled in.Slavia Prague grabbed their second of the night shortly after half time to reduce their aggregate deficit to 5-2.Petr Sevcik’s superb 20-yard strike was out of the reach of Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.4

Slavia Prague celebrate scoring

And Sevcik repeated the feat from similar range in the 55th minute to give the visitors hope of an astonishing fightback.His right-footed strike flew into the top corner as Prague made it 4-3 on the night, to cut Chelsea’s aggregate lead to 5-3.Suddenly the Blues’ cruise was under threat. And had Sevcik connected in the box when he slipped instead, their last-four place could have come under serious threat.David Luiz got away with a cynical handball to deny Slavia a late chance, with the visitors squandering their free-kick on the edge of the Chelsea area. And so the Blues held out, surviving a genuine fright when they should have breezed through.They will go on to face Eintracht Frankfurt in the semi-final after they beat Benfica, the first leg will be played on May 2 and May 9.In the second semi-final, Arsenal will play Valencia.

---

Two Chelsea players that could be angry Callum Hudson-Odoi started vs Sheffield Wednesday. The Blues played host to Sheffield Wednesday in the fourth round of the FA Cup tonight. Chelsea coach Maurizio Sarri made an unexpected change in the team by starting Callum Hudson-Odoi, who had been linked with moves to Bayern Munich.
Chelsea news live: Christian Eriksen linked with Blues

---

Liverpool news: Reds plot potential pre-season game at

---

It has been reported that knee problems appeared in the medical, forcing Liverpool into rethinking the transfer. Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich have also been linked with a move for Klopp's target. Related articles. Nabil Fekir to Liverpool: Transfer 'back on' as huge decision made as Lyon collapse
Lyon president warns Nabil Fekir off Liverpool transfer move

---

ASTON VILLA are keeping an eye on Southampton striker Charlie Austin and a 'mystery' Premier League striker as a potential replacement for Scott Hogan. Daily Star - Published on January 31, 2019: Cardiff City launch deadline day bid for Southampton striker Charlie Austin with Wolves also keen - reports The striker is wanted by a number of clubs
Transfer Deadline Day: Which players will be on the move

---

Manchester United news: How Solskjaer could miss out on Champions League qualification even with Premier League top four finish. to a remarkable turnaround under Ole manager Gunnar Solskjaer.
Who will finish in the Premier League's top four this season?

---

Shop Overstock.com and find the best online deals on everything for your home. We work every day to bring you discounts on new products across our entire store. Whether you're looking for memorable gifts or everyday essentials, you can buy them here for less.

---

Tiemoue Bakayoko is ready to return and fight for his place at Chelsea following a season-long loan at AC Milan. After a terrible debut season in the Premier League, Bakayoko was shipped out to
Tiemoue Bakayoko wants Chelsea stay and is determined to

---

The defender was so sure Salah would score his one-on-one against Porto he started celebrating before the forward had even taken his shot. BT Sport Virgil van Dijk can be seen with his arms raised before Salah shoots The Reds cruised through to the semi-finals of the Champions League with a 6-1 aggregate win over the Portuguese side.
Virgil van Dijk celebrates Mohamed Salah's goal against Porto

---

Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri is the overwhelming favourite to be the next Premier League manager sacked as odds are updated for the international break Tottenham's Mauricio Pochettino 125
Chelsea to decide Maurizio Sarri future on Friday with London

---

Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino expects to play their Champions League quarter-final home tie at their new stadium. Spurs booked their place in the last eight after beating Borussia Dortmund 4
New Tottenham stadium: Mauricio Pochettino expecting to play

---

Though Arsenal did have a secret weapon Well, two secret weapons. There was a little concern over how Per Mertesacker might fare against Barcelona's epic front three of Leo Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez. But Arsenal settled into the game well and could have taken the lead through Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
The Blizzard Issue Four | Fc Barcelona (58 views)

---

'Spygate' is the term used to describe the controversial use of covert surveilance by Leeds United head coach Marcelo Bielsa to gather information on opposition teams.
Marcelo Archives - SportsAlert
sportsalert.org/tag/marcelo/
Fans loved what Crystal Palace Tweeted in response to Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa and 'Spygate' JOKERS The Argentine admitted to observing every team in the Championship before games The 'scandal' surrounding Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa and his controversial methods of management appear to have permeated all levels of English
Marcelo Bielsa's Spygate: Other cases of sporting espionage

---

• Spurs striker Harry Kane has scored eight of Spurs' last 11 Premier League goals against Arsenal; only Wayne Rooney (12), Robbie Fowler (10) and Peter Crouch (9) have scored more Premier
Harry Kane - Wikipedia

---

For the latest news on Manchester City FC, including scores, fixtures, results, form guide & league position, visit the official website of the Premier League.
Premier League stats: How many more records can Manchester

---

The Football Association has launched an investigation into claims Sol Campbell was subjected to homophobic abuse during Macclesfield's visit to Cheltenham on Saturday. It comes after several Cheltenham fans wrote about chants directed towards the away manager on social media after the match, which the home side won 3-2.
Sol Campbell: FA investigating homophobic abuse claims

---