Arsenal, Chelsea, Roma advance in Champions League

Not only did Chelsea qualify but they topped the group.

But Stamford Bridge did not care who or even which team were scoring Chelsea’s goals against Porto, just as long as the Blues did not suffer yet another humiliation.

Despite having condemned his former club to the Europa League, Mourinho still earned a vote of confidence from Porto manager Julen Lopetegui.

It was a slice of good fortune that made Porto’s task much more hard and enabled Chelsea to exhibit a shade more freedom.

But the players showed their old passing precision and defensive solidity to tame a Porto side who have lost only one game this season – to Dynamo Kiev in the Champions League last month.

Jose Mourinho believes Chelsea can defy expectations to win the Champions League and climb into the Premier League’s top four after a victory which eased speculation over his job.

Chelsea will face Paris Saint Germain, PSV Eindhoven, Juventus, Roma, Benfica or Gent and Mourinho said: “A team that is struggling like us is obviously not a candidate to win the Champions League”. “You have the best teams in Europe. So let’s see. You never know”.

But he then proved a constant threat, testing Porto’s experienced Spanish goalkeeper to re-ignite a rivalry dating from their time at opposing Madrid sides Real and Atletico.

“In the league I think we have lacked a bit of confidence but not in the Champions League”.

A lovely through ball by Eden Hazard released Diego Costa and when his shot was saved, the rebound hit the unfortunate Ivan Marcano and rebounded into the goal.

Maicon dived desperately to try to clear the ball but the Turkish goal-line assistant referee signalled it had crossed the line and TV replays confirmed the decision.

“In the second half he faced the keeper on his own”.

First, Costa failed to find the pace to sprint away from Danilo and, instead of shooting, he rather pathetically attempted to win a penalty. Chelsea have improved statistically over the last few weeks, but fail to put the ball in the goal, albeit with many chances to do so.

Scored another crucial goal. “The goals are coming”.

The striker was also booked for petulant trip on Casillas and escaped punishment for kicking at Bruno Martins Indi when on the floor after being fouled by the Porto left-back.

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And when Willian, Chelsea’s star player this season, doubled the lead seven minutes into the second half, Mourinho turned towards his son seated behind the dugout and punched the air in defiance.

Leverkusen go into the Europa League, and that is the consolation that Valencia have to settle for after they were beaten 2-0 at home by Lyon in Group H in former England defender Gary Neville’s first match as head coach of the Spaniards.