We know what we were…
Cue the anti-Rafa chants as Yossi Benayoun's name lit up on the stadium's LED screens. It's Europa League time again, and Marko Marin was licking his lips in anticipation. He probably joined the fans' jeers after realising even he hadn't been selected to start. Fernando Torres was brought into the first eleven however, whilst Juan Mata had four defenders to keep him company on the bench.
In Benitez's defence, he'd fielded a more than capable side to show the Romanian team an early exit from the tournament. With John Terry, David Luiz, Frank Lampard, Oscar, and Eden Hazard all in the line-up, expectations were high – that was until a deflated performance from the Champions of Europe stifled the atmosphere in the Stadionul Ghencea.
In the 34th minute the home fans were finally able to wave their flags and matchday scarves when referee Sergei Karasev awarded their side a penalty for a less than convincing foul by Ryan Bertrand. Naturally, the official's decision made the half time headlines – continuing this week's theme of English teams' European injustice.
In terms of performance the second half brought much of the same for Chelsea. Marginally controlling possession, the London side faced a frustrating 45 minutes, as their attempts to feed Fernando Torres were hindered by Fernando Torres.
The struggling striker did actually manage to find Hazard with a header, but the Belgian's shot rose above the bar. So too did Luiz's free kick which was awarded outside the box with just minutes remaining.
1-0 seemed set to be the final result until Marin was finally given ten minutes to make a difference. It finished 1-0.
Goal
Read more... http://www.chelseamashup.com/2013/03/07/europa-league-steaua-bucharest-1-0-chelsea-we-know-what-we-were/
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