Vidi 2-2 Chelsea: Olivier Giroud and Willian produce spectacular free-kick goals as already-qualified Blues are held

Vidi 2-2 Chelsea: Olivier Giroud and Willian produce spectacular free-kick goals as already-qualified Blues are held
Olivier Giroud saved Chelsea from a Europa League loss at Vidi with a sensational free kick equaliser.Willian netted the Blues first free kick after 30 minutes, though it was cancelled out immediately by an Ethan Ampadu own goal and Loic Nego struck a sumptuous volley after 56 minutes to give Vidi the lead.But Giroud’s fine set piece 15 minutes from time earned a 2-2 draw in a match of little consequence for the Maurizio Sarris men, who had already qualified for the last 32 as Group L winners. Vidi finished third, as BATE Borisov joined Chelsea in the knockout stages.3

Willian netted Chelsea’s opener

Chelsea, who play at Brighton in the Premier League on Sunday, made 10 changes, with Willian the only player to retain his starting place following last Saturday’s 2-0 win over Manchester City.The 18-year-olds Callum Hudson-Odoi and Ampadu were among the starters.Head coach Maurizio Sarri has berated his players for lacking motivation in recent weeks, particularly in losses to Tottenham and Wolves, with the City match proving the exception.The Italian had admitted on the eve of this fixture that it might be difficult to rouse his players for the contest, given nothing was riding on the outcome.It took 30 minutes for the first real moment of quality to come at the Groupama Arena, when Willian injected some pace and was brought down by Szabolcs Huszti 25 yards out. The Brazil playmaker curled in the resulting free-kick.3

Vidi fought back to take the lead

Vidi’s reply was immediate and also came from a set-piece. They forced a corner, taken by Huszti, and Marko Scepovic’s header deflected in off the unfortunate Ampadu.Hudson-Odoi showed glimpses of his potential. He did well to cross to Alvaro Morata at the near post, but Adam Kovacsik saved from the striker.Nego next forced Willy Caballero into a strong save.Chelsea did not heed the warning as the Vidi forward beat the Blues goalkeeper eleven minutes into the second half with a superbly-struck volley.Georgi Milanov’s lofted pass found Nego in the right side of Chelsea’s area and he fired into the near top corner of Caballero’s net.It was the first time Chelsea had fallen behind in the Europa League this season.Hudson-Odoi swiftly had an opportunity, but his shot was too close to Kovacsik.Emerson Palmieri then crossed for Giroud, but the Frenchman – who had replaced Morata at half-time – could only divert the ball wide at the near post.3

Olivier Giroud smashed home an equaliser

Giroud volleyed over from a Cesc Fabregas free-kick soon afterwards.Pedro next passed the ball just wide after being found by Hudson-Odoi. Giroud was alongside him and frustrated not to have received a pass.Chelsea equalised after a Paulo Vinicius foul on Fabregas, 20 yards out.With Willian already substituted, Giroud stepped up and his curling strike beat a defender on the line to go in off the underside of the bar.It was the France international’s fourth goal in three Europa League games and preserved Chelsea’s unbeaten record in the competition, which resumes in February.

---

Dele, Lamela to be late decisions for Champions League tie vs. City New, 80 comments Spurs will remain without four players, including Harry Kane and two key midfielders.
Manchester City vs Tottenham LIVE - Champions League quarter

---

Fernando Llorente starts for Tottenham in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final with Ajax. The striker is starting his first match of this year's competition after making an impact
Tottenham vs Ajax: Fernando Llorente starts in Champions
hollywoodadviser.com/tottenham-vs-ajax-fernando-llorente-starts-in-champions-league-semi-final-first-leg-with-son-heung-min-and-harry-kane-unavailable/
team news The striker makes his first start of the competition following his winning goal in the quarter-final against Manchester City Fernando Llorente starts for Tottenham in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final with Ajax. The striker is starting his first match of this year's competition after making an impact from the bench.
Tottenham vs. Ajax starting XI: Why Harry Kane and Son Heung

---

Arsenal transfer news: Monchi 'agrees deal' to become Gunners sporting director. Gunners nearing the end of their search for a new sporting director as Roma man 'ready to move'
Arsenal transfer news: Monchi 'agrees deal' to become Gunners

---

Football fans had a special reason for loving Harry Redknapp's I'm A Celebrity entrance out of a car door, the former football manager gave footie fans flashbacks to transfer deadline day
Harry Redknapp turns 70: Former Spurs, West Ham boss loses it

---

Indeed, there are a host of talented youngsters in the club's 40-strong loan army, including Mason Mount, Tammy Abraham, Fikayo Tomori and Reece James. In addition, Chelsea could also elect to
Chelsea Sarriball XI of English youngsters out on loan who

---

Former Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal has announced his retirement from football management.. Van Gaal coached European giants like Ajax, Barcelona, Manchester United and Netherlands.He
Louis van Gaal - talkSPORT

---

Crystal Palace opinion: The Eagles should make a move for Max Kruse Italian news outlet Calciomercato have reported that Crystal Palace are interested in a move for Werder Bremen star Max Kruse.
Christian Benteke - talkSPORT

---

Celtic could return to raid another Premier League club in the upcoming transfer window as they have identified Arsenal youngster Chris Willock to replace loan signing Patrick Roberts, who will be
Chris Willock profiled as Leeds United scout out Benfica

---

On 20 December, Liverpool played against Watford at Vicarage Road and lost 0-3, making it Jürgen Klopp's third loss as Liverpool manager. On Boxing Day, Liverpool played Leicester City and went on to win 1-0 to a Christian Benteke goal in the 63rd minutes of play.

---

Burnley striker Peter Crouch to get his own sausage named after him called 'Crouchie's Red Hot Robot' The 38-year-old joined the Clarets on deadline day from Stoke City By Joe Coleman
Peter Crouch: Burnley striker to get own sausage called

---

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Manchester United press conference highlights. All the highlights from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's press conference at Old Trafford after he was appointed Man Utd manager this morning.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Appointed Caretaker Manager Of

---

Barcelona defeat could be blessing in disguise for Solskjaer

---