Four signs suggest Chelsea could win the Champions League this season just like they did in 2012, This is according to SunSport.
An injury and suspension-hit Chelsea went all the way to be crowned European champions nine years ago, beating German side Bayern Munich on penalties in the final at the Allianz Arena.
The blues made their way through to the quarter-finals for the first time since that year with win over LaLiga leaders Atletico Madrid in this year’s Last 16.
And they now have one foot in the last four of the European competition after a 2-0 victory over Porto in the ‘away’ first leg of their quarter-final clash on Wednesday.
The four similarities between this season and 2012 that suggest Chelsea supporters could be celebrating again ate listed below.
SACKING A YOUNG MANAGER
Former Chelsea player Roberto Di Matteo was the caretaker head coach who finally landed the one trophy that Roman Abramovich desired for a long time. But he was in place because Villas-Boas was sacked.
The then 34-year-old manager was axed after a poor run of results, including the 3-1 defeat against Napoli in the last 16 first leg.
This season, the club’s icon and another young manager Frank Lampard was dismissed with Chelsea languishing in ninth in the Premier League.
LOSING TO WEST BROM
Tuchel’s side were smashed 5-2 by West Brom last week. The Baggies demolished the German’s side to end his 12-game unbeaten run.
Similarly, a 1-0 defeat to West Brom proved to be the final game for Villas-Boas back in 2012 as he was sacked with the defeat leaving Chelsea three points below fourth spot.
BEATING A PORTUGUESE SIDE IN THE QUARTER-FINALS
Under Di Matteo, Chelsea beat Benfica in the quarters in 2012. Salamon Kalou scored the important away goal at the Estadio Da Luz.
- REVEALED: The 10 Premier League defenders least dribbled past this season
- Thomas Tuchel names the Chelsea player that has disappointed him
Lampard’s penalty and stoppage-time Raul Meireles goal ensured Chelsea went through 3-1 on aggregate despite Javi Garcia’s goal in West London.
However, This year, the job is only half done but the London side will be expecting to get through in the second leg against Porto with two away goals.
PLAYING SPANISH GIANTS IN THE SEMI-FINAL
Only few will forget Fernando Torres’ outstanding goal against Barcelona in the Nou Camp that secured Chelsea’s final berth.
They had won the first leg 1-0 at home through Didier Drogba’s strike before the 2-2 draw against their opponents.
History could repeat itself with the club in line to play another Spanish giant Real Madrid in the last four this year. Zidane’s side have a 3-1 first-leg lead over Liverpool and if both teams (Chelsea and Real) capitalise on their early advantage they will meet in the semis.
