Cudicini 6.5: The keeper had very little to do but did make some smart saves once the visitors decided to have a go late in the game.
Ferreira 6.5: Sure and steady performance from the fullback. Didn抰 really have to venture forward after the opening goal was scored early on.
Carvalho 6.5: Uneventful night for the Portuguese, although the backline looks better when he and Terry play together.
Terry 7.0: Commanding in the air as usual and snuffed out the attempted long-balls Olympiakos tried when they found the midfield to tough to get through.
A Cole 6.5: Attacked with verve from the first whistle but was rarely pressured in defence.
Ballack 8.0: Didn抰 have to be at his best but still showed why he is a Rolls-Royce player. Scored the first goal which was harder than it looked as the ball was slightly behind him.
Lampard 7.5: Assisted one and scored one, a comfortable night for the midfield ace.
Makelele 6.5: Mopped up the area in-front of the defence with his usual masterful expertise.
Kalou 6.0: Made some sprightly sprints and dribbles, but one gets the feeling he could have done more for himself to force a starting place in the future by destroying a Greek that was there for the taking.
J Cole 7.5: The winger confused and stretched the fullbacks all night. He also showed intelligence in switching flanks at the right times.
Drogba 6.5: Caused problems and created space for others with his bustling style, but he still looks a little jaded from the African Nations Cup.
Substitutes
Malouda 6.5: Did well in the short space of time he had, forcing a couple of saves late on.
Essien 6.0: Showed his ingrained intense fighting spirit, as with the game won already he could have just ambled around, but chose to get stuck in.
Shaun-Wright Phillips 5.0: Came on too late to make an impact.
Palermo hotshot Amauri has substantiated the rumours that Chelsea are one of many clubs that are after his signature.
The 27-year-old is coveted by a whole host of Europe抯 giants, including Milan, Juventus, Barcelona, and now it appears that Chelsea can be officially added to that list.
Champions League: Chelsea 3 - 0 Olympiakos (agg 3 - 0)
The Good
1. The performance. Whilst maybe not as feisty as against West Ham, it has to be said that the levels of professionalism were so high the result was never really in doubt from the warm up.
2. Michael Ballack. Magnificent in every sense, won headers, scored a goal, made the second (albeit unintentionally), and made some great passes. World class in every sense.
3. Carlo Cudicini. In fairness had little to do, but did make two good saves from a late-ish free kick when the ref seemed obliged to blow his whistle every 10 seconds
Post time 6-3-2008 05:54 AM
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