The problems started with a 2-1 Champions League loss at Shakhtar Donetsk in late October, a fabulous match that saw the Ukrainians dominate the champs from the start. That was hardly fatal – but it was followed by an ugly 3-2 loss to Manchester United at Stamford Bridge that saw both Fernando Torres and Branislav Ivanovic sent off.
The kindling was further stoked by the club’s allegations of racist language against referee Mark Clattenburg, who was subsequently fully cleared. The Blues have only just issued a grudging apology for their part in the matter — but the damage was done. Something seemed to expire and not even the Blues’ storming League Cup win over United three days later in extra time could mitigate that.
Chelsea have since been held by Swansea, Liverpool, Manchester City and Fulham, and have lost to West Brom, West Ham and Juventus. In fact, had the Blues not pulled out a last-minute win over Shakhtar in the return leg, this game would already be meaningless.
The other key matchups involve the Railwaymen of CFR Cluj and Turkey’s Galatasaray. Cluj travel to Old Trafford and a tough date with already qualified Manchester United (live, FOX Soccer Plus, Wednesday, 2 p.m. ET). Galatasaray travel to Portugal to play the already eliminated Braga.
The road is arguably easier for Galatasaray as Braga have been awful at home, losing both matches. But Cluj will be boosted by the fact that United are likely to play a second-string side as the Red Devils face a season-defining tilt against Manchester City on Sunday. It’s a straight shot: whomever comes away with the most points from the games will take the final slot.
