Noah Okafor’s close-range finish denied Graham Potter a winning start to his Chelsea career. The Blues dominated the first half but were unable to force Philipp Kohn into a save. Raheem Sterling put the Londoners ahead shortly after the restart with a fine curling effort but Salzburg grew into the game and Okafor converted Junior Adamu’s centre with 15 minutes remaining. Substitutes Hakim Ziyech and Armando Broja went close as the hosts pushed for a winner, but the Austrian champions held firm.
Chelsea have failed to record a victory in their opening two games of a UEFA Champions League campaign for only the second time, after 1999/00.
Chelsea’s Sterling has been named as the Player of the Match. The UEFA Technical Observer Panel highlighted his showing this evening, saying: “He was excellent in one-on-one situations. He counterpressed the opponents quickly and regained the ball well in high-pressing situations. His goal was an excellent finish from a technical point of view.”
Only one Englishman can better Sterling’s tally of 25 Champions League goals: Wayne Rooney (30).Also Raheem Sterling becomes the first player to score for three English clubs in the Champions League .
Chelsea forward Raheem Sterling said , “It was a game that we should have won. We dominated the game and gave a goal away at the end, but there were some good moments in there.”
Chelsea coach Graham Potter said,”We’re disappointed with the result. I thought the boys gave everything. We scored a good goal, but lost a bit in the second half but their goalkeeper has made some good saves. The boys gave everything, it wasn’t quite meant to be today.”
It has not been easy for the boys, they have responded to us really well over the last few days. The attitude has been fantastic, no complaints apart from the fact we have not taken three points.”
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UEFA Champions League Chelsea RB Salzburg Football Sports Kolkata
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