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Match Analysis: Shakhtar Donetsk 2-1 Chelsea

Sports Mole casts an eye over Chelsea's 2-1 defeat in the Champions League away at Shakhtar Donetsk.

Chelsea failed in their bid to become the first English club to claim a victory at Shakhtar Donetsk's Donbass Arena this evening.

The Blues found themselves 2-0 down courtesy of goals either side of the break from the Brazilian duo of Alex Teixeira and Fernandinho.

Oscar pulled one back for the Blues in the closing stages, but it proved to be too little, too late for Roberto Di Matteo's side.

Here, Sports Mole looks back over the action to determine whether or not Chelsea deserved a share of the spoils.

Match statistics:

Shakhtar:
Shots 21
On target 13
Possession 54%
Corners 9
Fouls 9

Chelsea:
Shots 15
On target 11
Possession 46%
Corners 7
Fouls 14

Was the result fair?

Di Matteo cannot have any complaints with this result. His team were well and truly outplayed during the first 80 minutes of the match. Granted the Blues came good with a few minutes remaining, but the damage had already been inflicted.

Shakhtar's performance

Shakhtar showed just why they have been so dominant in the Ukrainian league in recent seasons. They have a sprinkling of Brazilian players who really turned on the style this evening. If there is one negative, it would be the fact that they spurned a large number of chances.

Chelsea's performance

The fact that goalkeeper Petr Cech is the only Chelsea player to come out of the match with any credit tells you all you need to know. Time after time the keeper denied Shakhtar's attackers while those around him appeared to be chasing shadows.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Fernandinho: There were a number of contenders for this award but Fernandinho's goal swings it his way. The midfielder got up and down the pitch with enviable energy and also showed a creative side. His goal proved to a match-winning one.

Biggest gaffe

In a game of few errors, step forward Fernando Torres. Oscar picked him out with a chipped pass that left him through on goal. It was a tricky ball to control, but not for someone that is supposed to be worth £50m. His touch was heavy though and the goalkeeper came out to collect with ease.

Referee performance

Chelsea will be sick of the sight of Damir Skomina! The last game of theirs that he officiated was their European Super Cup defeat to Atletico Madrid. On a serious note, the Slovenian had a really solid match.

What next?

Shakhtar: The Ukrainians' next match in the competition is a trip to today's visitors. Victory at Stamford Bridge will all but confirm their place in the last 16.

Chelsea: Before Chelsea get the chance to gain revenge on Shakhtar, they face a double-header against Manchester United in the Premier League and Capital One Cup.

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