Chelsea avoided a potential season-ending setback this evening as they beat Jose Mourinho’s former club Porto 2-0 at Stamford Bridge to secure their progress to the Champions League last 16.
A 12th-minute own goal from Marcano Sierra – awarded by the official behind the goal – put the Blues on their way, before Willian sealed the victory with a second seven minutes after the restart.
SEE MORE: Chelsea v Porto video: Great spot from assistant may change Jose’s opinion on officials
Here, CaughtOffside rates how Mourinho’s men performed in the crucial Group G clash in London…
SEE MORE: Chelsea 2-0 Porto match report & video: Blues top Group G to avoid CL big boys
GK: Thibaut Courtois – 7/10
Making his first appearance in the competition this season, the Belgian made a decent save from Yacinie Brahimi at either end of the first half.
RB: Branislav Ivanovic – 6/10
Was given a torrid time by Brahimi in October’s reverse fixture, but had no such problems tonight as the threatening Algerian wandered away from the left.
CB: Kurt Zouma – 7/10
Given the nod over Gary Cahill and justified his selection with a good performance. Stood up well when squared up by Porto’s agile attackers inside his own box.
CB: John Terry – 8/10
Chelsea’s captain was brought back into the team after two weeks on the sidelines and proved he can still be relied upon in the big games. Barely put a foot wrong.
LB: Cesar Azpilicueta – 7/10
Showed again that he is a formidable force when defending one-on-one. Had the rare luxury of some defensive support from Hazard – a promising sign for Mourinho.
CM: Nemanja Matic – 6/10
The Serbian destroyer was booked in the first half for a late hack on Brahimi, and still does not look like the dominating force that he was throughout last season.
CM: Ramires – 7/10
Covered a lot of ground in the middle of the park and offered his defence more protection than Cesc Fabregas would have done if he was selected in the same role.
AML: Eden Hazard – 7/10
Lively in stages without being at his best. Laid on Willian’s goal with a well-weighted pass. Denied a long overdue first goal of the season by the post late on, but it is coming.
AMC: Oscar – 7/10
His work rate often goes unnoticed but the Brazilian really helped out the midfield pair behind him, although he looked the least threatening of Chelsea’s attacking four.
AMR: Willian – 7/10
Chelsea’s most consistent player this season sealed the victory with a powerful shot into the bottom corner – his seventh goal of the campaign but first not from a direct free kick.
ST: Diego Costa – 8/10
Second to qualification, the most pleasing thing for Mourinho tonight would have been Costa’s display. He was combative, but not reckless – apart from one incident with Iker Casillas – and his hold-up play was excellent as he brought others into the game. A goal would do wonders for his confidence, but he could not bag in the latter stages as firstly his lack of pace and then his touch let him down.
SEE MORE: Scrapping with own teammate proves Diego Costa just can’t help himself (video)
Substitutes:
Pedro – 5/10
Will be relieved to be through to the last 16 considering his Champions League track record.
John Obi Mikel – 5/10
Came on for the last four minutes plus stoppage time to help Chelsea hold what they had.
Loic Remy – 5/10
Given a few minutes at the end and had a decent chance which he skewed horribly wide.
SEE ALSO: Video: John Terry’s ‘young wife’ asked for ID at Winter Wonderland
Gary Neville’s Sky Sports replacement: Liverpool failure & BBC playboy among top five candidates
FA Cup third round draw 2015-16: Balls kind to Man United & Chelsea