Advertisement
Ashley Cole strolls off the pitch after his side lost 2-1 to Basel. Nick Potts/PA Wire
crack some eggs

Basel shock Chelsea at Stamford Bridge while Ramsey inspires Arsenal win

A section of the home crowd were unhappy that Juan Mata was once again left on the bench.

JOSE MOURINHO’S RETURN to the Champions League with Chelsea started in dismal fashion as FC Basel came from behind to seal a stunning 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.

Mourinho’s first spell at Chelsea came to an acrimonious end exactly six years ago when he was sacked following a lacklustre 1-1 draw against Rosenborg in the Champions League.

And his hopes of erasing that painful memory with a win over Basel in his first match back with Chelsea in Europe’s elite club competition since that night were dashed by a remarkable fightback from the Swiss champions.

Brazilian midfielder Oscar had given Chelsea the lead just before half-time with a well-struck goal.

YouTube credit: DavidKizzo

The Blues paid the price for a sloppy display featuring a host of missed chances as Mohamed Salah equalised after the break and Marco Streller bagged the winner with nine minutes remaining.

YouTube credit: Howard Julie

Mourinho has already overseen Chelsea’s worst start to a Premier League season for a decade and, just five days after a 1-0 defeat at Everton, he has now suffered a second successive loss and one of the more embarrassing setbacks of his illustrious career.

Blues owner Roman Abramovich was captured shaking his head as the full-time whistle was greeted with boos from a section of the stunned home crowd.

Wins keep coming for Arsenal

Arsenal got their Champions League campaign off to the ideal start on Wednesday as second-half goals by Theo Walcott and Aaron Ramsey secured a 2-1 win away to Marseille.

An even contest at the Stade Velodrome swung Arsenal’s way in the 65th minute when their French hosts were made to pay for a defensive error, as Jeremy Morel’s pitiful attempted clearance inside his own box was pounced upon by Walcott, who slammed the ball past Steve Mandanda in goal.

YouTube credit: jaffasports

Walcott’s first goal of the campaign was followed by a sixth of the season for the in-form Ramsey, who drove through the middle of the home defence before firing low past the helpless Mandanda on 83 minutes.

YouTube credit: Goals Video

Jordan Ayew pulled one back from the penalty spot at the death, but that could not prevent Arsenal from making it six straight wins in all competitions.

© AFP, 2013

Other Champions League results:

  • AC Milan 2 — 0 Glasgow Celtic
  • Atletico Madrid 3 — 1 Zenit St Peresburg
  • Austria Vienna 0 — 1 Porto
  • Barcelona 4 — 0 Ajax
  • Napoli 2 — 1 Dortmund
  • Schalke 3 — 0 Steaua Bucharest

Late goals break Celtic hearts in Milan

As it happened: AC Milan v Glasgow Celtic, Champions League

Your Voice
Readers Comments
23
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.