“Unbelievable very brilliant” – BBC pundit rate Chelsea player during 2-1 victory against Red Bull Salzburg
Mateo Kovacic of Chelsea stunned Leon Osman completely with his goal in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!In order to defeat Red Bull Salzburg 2-1 away from home this evening, Graham Potter’s Chelsea put on an absolutely impressive display.
With a victory in Austria, the Blues secured their spot in the knockout rounds while playing some of their most eye-catching football under Potter’s leadership.
With a screamer from outside the box on his weaker left foot, Kovacic got things started.
Early in the second half, Junior Adamu tied the score for Salzburg, the hosts, but Kai Havertz scored the game-winning goal with a thunderbolt that slammed in off the underside of the crossbar.
Goal by Kovacic in the Champions League
Kovacic’s first-half goal against Milan to break the tie astonished BBC analyst Osman.
The 28-year-old midfielder doesn’t score frequently, but it always seems to be a beautiful goal.
“Wow, Kovacic finished brilliantly from the edge of the penalty area. He hits it on the half-volley, and Chelsea played well overall, according to Osman, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live.
“Kovacic’s reaction to open his foot up and sidefoot it directly into the top corner is incredible. The goalkeeper can only watch it in while he is essentially on his knees. What a spectacular finish to give Chelsea the lead.
It wasn’t a huge surprise to see Kovacic back in the starting lineup in midweek after he came off the bench to assist Man United’s to win on the weekend.
Against Salzburg, the centre midfielder had some outstanding possession moments and was at the height of his powers.
Aside from his miraculous goal, the Croatian international was quite shrewd in searching out openings and serving as a centre of creativity.
Particularly in the first half, the Blues produced some outstanding football with Kovacic frequently at the centre of the action.
He doesn’t frequently get mentioned as one of the top midfielders by opposing supporters, but tonight was a reminder of just how brilliant he can be.
