Over the last few weeks, it’s fair to say Chelsea haven’t looked like the team that started the season. The defensive foundations upon which Thomas Tuchel built his team appear shaky and injuries have weakened the midfield as well. If there was one team in Europe you’d put your money on to see out a game, it would be Tuchel’s Chelsea. And yet this team has surrendered two leads in each of their last two games.
Last night, how easily Chelsea were cut open so frequently by Zenit was frightening. The wing-back combination of Callum Hudson-Odoi and Saúl Ñíguez, who continues to endure a nightmare loan spell, was a recipe for disaster. They were often caught napping during the match and failed to do their defensive duties. Elsewhere, new faces were unable to gel together in what was a disjointed performance.
The two points dropped were crucial as the Blues relinquished top spot, meaning relatively tougher opponents await in the round of 16. Here are the teams they can face:
Ajax
Group C winners Ajax have been quietly going about their business. They are one of three teams to have won all of their group matches and only Bayern Munich have scored more goals than them. Sébastien Haller is the top scorer in the competition with 10 goals already. They will be no easy opponents for anyone.
Real Madrid
Chelsea’s semi-final opponents from last season could meet them in the round of 16 this time. There was a crisis when Los Blancos lost to minnows FC Sheriff at home but have bounced back to win their group comfortably. Eden Hazard has been linked with a move back to Stamford Bridge to provide an interesting sub-plot to this potential match-up.
Bayern Munich
Let’s be honest, no one wants to face Bayern Munich. Barcelona are sick at the sight of them, and the Bavarians outclassed Chelsea two seasons ago at the same stage. Tuchel himself suffered at the hands of Bayern in the same season. They have six wins, scored most goals, and conceded the fewest. Ominous stats and they are one opponents Chelsea will want to avoid.
Lille
From the team to avoid to the team to face, without disrespecting Lille, they are the worst group-winners among the lot. The seven goals they have scored is by far the lowest for any of the teams to win their groups. Meanwhile, their 11 points is the joint-worst for a team finishing first in their group.
Over the last decade or so, luck hasn’t been with Chelsea when it comes to round of 16 opponents. They have faced the likes of PSG, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid regardless of whether they won their group or not. This time, Chelsea will avoid teams like PSG, Inter and Atletico, but the teams they could face are formidable. Looks like their tough luck is set to continue for another season.