John Terry scored for Chelsea in the 47th minute to make it 2-0 on the night to the Blues and 3-3 on aggregate, seeing Chelsea through to the final if it stood. This, at the time, seemed to be extremely problematic for Napoli. They are a team that thrives on punishing teams on the counter. They want their opponents to push bodies forward and play a high defensive line. When teams put players behind the ball and sit deep, they struggle to score more than their goal totals might suggest. With the lead on a tiebreaker, Chelsea could have done just that.
Chelsea Vs. Napoli, 2012 UEFA Champions League: Azzurri Back On Top Via Brilliant Gökhan Inler Goal
If Roberto Di Matteo was going to change his team’s tactics, Chelsea didn’t have any time to settle into them. Just seven minutes after Terry’s header, Gökhan Inler struck with an absolutely spectacular half-volley, and Napoli are back in front on aggregate, 4-3.
Andrea Dossena, in the game for the injured Christian Maggio, "set up" the goal for Inler and will be credited with the assist. The setup was just as much Inler's as the finish, though, though the finish was certainly the best part of the goal. From 20 yards out, he controlled, then struck a vicious shot past Petr Cech at the near post. Supposedly, goalkeepers aren't supposed to concede at the near post, but this one wasn't Cech's fault at all.
Chelsea has responded by subbing in Fernando Torres for Daniel Sturridge. Oh boy.
For more on the Blues, head over to Chelsea blog We Ain’t Got No History and The Offside Chelsea. For more on the Azzurri, head over to The Offside Napoli.
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