Copenhagen 1-2 Chelsea Player Ratings: Reece Jame’s Rocket helps Chelsea get the better of Copenhagen in Denmark

Chelsea had a comfortable time at Parken Copenhagen as they beat the Danish side 2-1. The Londoners were made to work hard for the first goal as Reece James scored from outside the box to give them the lead. Enzo Fernandez scored shortly after as they doubled their lead. Gabriel Pereira’s header gives Copenhagen a slim chance of a comeback heading into the second leg.

Jacob Neestrup named a strong lineup as the Danish league leaders thought to make the most of home advantage. They also lined up in what appeared to be a back five to hamper Chelsea’s dangerous attackers.

Enzo Maresca on the other hand threw a curveball as he fielded a strange-looking lineup. The returning Trevoh Chalobah was thrown into the lineup as Reece James played in midfield. Robert Sanchez started in goal ahead of Filip Jorgensen.

Youth striker Shumaira Mhueka made his full Chelsea bow as he was joined by another academy player Tyrique George in attack. Cole Plamer was the only senior in attack as others like Pedro Neto, Jadon Sancho, and Christopher Nkunku all warmed the bench.

The hosts had a strong start to the game they tested Sanchez twice in the opening exchanges. Firstly, it was Amin Chiakha, whose goal-bound effort was blocked. Secondly, Elias Achouri’s effort was well saved by Sanchez. Chelsea could only muster their response in the 14th minute when Cole Palmer had a left-footed pop from outside the box.

The Blues then had to lose Malo Gusto to an unfortunate injury as Marc Cucurella came on. The game was then about gritty fouls here and there as the visitors lacked the crucial bite. George’s header in the added time reminded everyone of an active clash still going on. Chelsea was tempted to bring their big hitters soon in the second half against a Copenhagen side that was happy with a half clean-sheet.

Levi Colwill, Christopher Nkunku and Enzo Fernandez were introduced during the break as they looked to push hard for the opener. The breakthrough came from the skipper as Reece James arrived onto a cutback from Marc Cucurella and slotted a first-time finish past the keeper just a minute into the second half. Copenhagen’s defense was caught napping as James had a lot of time to pick his spot with the finish.

The hosts almost immediately hit back as Viktor Claesson rattled the post on a flowing move as the ball found its way to Sanchez’s arms.

Enzo Fernandez doubled Chelsea’s advantage in the 65th minute as Copenhagen gave the ball away cheaply deep in their half and George found the Argentine who placed a lovely right-footed effort past Ramaj.

With time fast running out, Copenhagen found an unlikely hero in Gabriel Pereira as the defender nodded a lovely freekick from Marcos Lopez to cut Chelsea’s lead by half. It acted as a great source of inspiration for his side in the context of the tie. Chelsea lost their discipline late in the game as they kept conceding avoidable freekicks.

The game boiled over as it approached its conclusion as players started going at each other and the referee flung the yellow card towards everyone.

There were no complaints from the traveling Chelsea fans as their side put in a fine performance to take a good lead to Stamford Bridge. Although the goal conceded might worry them a little bit. They face basement boys Leicester in the Premier League next on the weekend.

Copenhagen haven’t been terrible but the inexperience cost them in this tie. They will look to make things right next week against Chelsea as they still have a faint chance. Before that, they host Sonderjyske in the league at home next.

Copenhagen Player Ratings

GK – Diant Ramaj- 5.5/10

Had next to nothing to do in the first half before being breached early in the second half with an arrowing effort from Reece James.

RWB – Giorgi Gocholeishvili – 5/10

The Georgian locked up the right-hand side early on. But Cucurella’s entry changed everything as he posed a new kind of threat. Gave the ball away leading to Chelsea’s second goal.

CB – Gabriel Pereira- 7/10

The young Brazilian stood firmly in the box and defended bravely against the Chelsea attack. He also took charge of ball progression. Scored a free header to give them a solid chance in the tie.

CB – Kevin Diks- 6/10

A bit wobbly with his positioning and he was also susceptible on the ball as Chelsea pressed him well.

CB – Pantelis Hatzidiakos- 6/10

Did have a brief glimpse of Chlesea’s goal but he was offside as it didn’t matter. Did his part in keeping Palmer quiet.

LWB – Birger Meling – 6/10

He married defending and going forward excellently as he created the most good bits in Copenhagen’s attack. The best chance he created was finding Claesson whose finish hit the post.

RM – Viktor Claesson – 7/10

The Captain was fighting against the odds as he single-handedly tried to get his side something from the game. Surprised as he was replaced past the hour mark.

CM – William Clem – 6.5/10

Was composed on the ball and tried to find pockets of space to run in behind Chelsea’s midfield.

CM – Victor Froholdt- 7/10

Won plenty of duels as a nineteen year old thus showing his immense potential. However, can add a little bit of creativity to his game.

LM – Elias Achouri- 6/10

Had the first real chance of the game in the fourth minute but he barely tested Sanchez. Even in the second half, he fluffed his lines when he had ample time to shoot.

ST – Amin Chiakha – 6/10

The youngster was tossed aside easily by Chelsea’s giant defenders as he struggled to pin the ball down and help his side well.

Sub – Magnus Mattsson – 6/10

Sub – Robert- 6/10

Sub – Rodrigo Huescas – 6/10

Sub – Marcos Lopez- 7/10

Swung in a lovely cross for their first goal of the game.

Sub -Munashe Garananga – N/A

Manager – Jacob Neestrup – 7/10

A conservative approach of a back five kept his side in the hunt in the first half. However, they have faded in intensity post the break and were made to pay for being sloppy by a superior opponent.

Chelsea Player Ratings

GK – Robert Sanchez- 6/10

Couldve positioned better against a bullet header coming in from Gabriel. Luckily Claesson’s earlier effort rebounded into his arms.

RB –Trevoh Chalobah – 7/10

Back from an injury and straight into the lineup. The youngster had another impressive outing for the Blues as a full-back this time.

CB – Tosin Adarabioyo – 8/10

Pretty much their go-to defender in this tournament, Tosin impressed with his authoritative ball-playing in the game.

CB – Benoit Badiashile – 6/10

Had a normal 45 minutes as Levi Colwill needed some rest. However, he was replaced at the break.

LB – Malo Gusto – 7/10

An unfortunate injury ruled him out of the clash around the end of the first quarter as he was finding some joy down the left.

DM – Moises Caicedo – 7/10

The defensive lynchpin had another solid yet unspectacular game. He did his role to perfection and was happy to step away at half-time.

DM – Reece James – 8/10

The captain showed his versatility as he played comfortably as a defensive midfielder. His best moment of the game was smashing his side’s opener after arriving at the edge of the box.

RW – Cole Palmer – 7/10

Another frustrating game for him in front of goal as his goal drought continues. Copenhagen’s defence did well to keep him quiet and the usual Palmer curling effort just sailed wide of the net.

CAM – Keirnan Dewsbury-Hall – 6.5/10

Given a rare start to impress, he started occupying the same spaces as Palmer. It led to a clutter at times but he did end up playing some clever balls in behind.

LW – Tyrique George – 7/10

The youngster had a good chance around halftime but couldn’t convert it. Showed great composure to pick Fernandez for Chelsea’s second goal.

ST – Shumaira Mhueka – 6/10

The youngster might’ve been surprised himself to get a start as he looked quite raw. Rightfully replaced at the interval.

Sub – Marc Cucurella- 7/10

He changed the tempo of the game after coming on as a substitute. Found Reece James with a cutback to grab an assist.

Sub – Levi Colwill – 6/10

Was solid on the ball but missed his header as Gabriel was there to score one for Copenhagen.

Sub – Enzo Fernandez- 7/10

A well-taken finish to give Chelsea some insurance in the tie.

Sub – Christopher Nkunku – 7/10

Sub -Jadon Sancho – N/A

Manager – Enzo Maresca – 7/10

A very bold move as he named a strange lineup against a formidable outfit. His changes at half-time did win the game as the big hitters did their job after coming on.

Sportsdunia’s Player of the Match goes to: Reece James