Port in storm could still be risk to Blues
JORGINHO has warned Chelsea not to make the ‘big mistake’ of expecting to stroll into the Champions League semi-finals after their 2-0 first-leg victory over Porto in Seville.
England duo Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell fired maiden Champions League goals on Wednesday to put the Blues in control at the midway point of their tie.
Chelsea hit back from Saturday’s 5-2 Premier League thrashing by West Brom, to produce an eighth clean sheet in nine matches. But Italy midfielder Jorginho has called on the Blues to guard against complacency in Tuesday’s second leg.
‘We are all happy with this first result but for the second game we need to stay humble, we don’t need to think that we have the advantage because it would be a big mistake,’ said Jorginho (pictured).
‘We need to stay calm and focused because it is not easy if we do that mistake, we can be in trouble so we need to stay calm, be humble, work hard again, knowing that Porto is a very good team and we need to respect them.’
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel branded the Blues’ clean sheet against Porto as the perfect response to the hefty loss to West Brom, where Thiago Silva was sent off.
Jorginho delivered the ideal personal riposte after a belowpar showing against the Baggies, angling a threatening ball to lay on the opening goal for impressive fellow midfielder Mount after 32 minutes. ‘There were things to look at and learn from that mistake (Saturday’s defeat) and for us we know it is important to defend well as a team and not concede a goal,’ Jorginho said. ‘Everyone worked very hard and we left everything on the pitch so the win was deserved by the whole team, including those who helped from the bench.
‘Mason was in a good position, he turned the right way. I just saw some space and I gave him the right ball for him to control and score.’
Fifth-placed Chelsea will face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park in Premier League action tomorrow, before returning to the neutral venue of Seville for the second Champions League leg against Porto on Tuesday.