LONDON: Chelsea’s relentless march towards either more European glory or an heroic, battle-weary failure, continues yesterday when they face FC Basel with the final of the Europa League beckoning.
The Londoners, like Benfica who face Fenerbahce in the other semi-final, were eliminated from the Champions League after the group stage, but both dropouts could yet meet in the final at the Amsterdam Arena on May 15.
Chelsea are well-placed after a 2-1 victory in Switzerland but Benfica trail their Turkish opponents 1-0.
Victory in the Europa League would not have been either club’s target at the start of the season but it now offers redemption at the end of long and punishing road.
Chelsea, the outgoing European Champions, will be playing their 11th match in 33 days against the Swiss champions at Stamford Bridge.
Unless their tired limbs finally decide that enough is enough, they look set to book their place in the final and give interim coach Rafa Benitez the chance of a glorious exit.
Benitez has managed to rotate his squad and keep it fresh to challenge for both European honours and a place in the top four of the Premier League and a return to the Champions League.
A header from Victor Moses and a free kick from David Luiz deep in stoppage time gave Chelsea victory last week after Fabian Schaer’s 87th-minute penalty for Basel. Reuters
