Real Betis’ Abde Ezzalzouli is scoring his team’s first goal while under pressure from Chelsea’s Malo Gusto. (Photo: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
Chelsea are facing Real Betis in today’s UEFA Europa Congress League final, and are currently chasing 1-0 since the first half.
The goal from Abde Ezzalzouli early in the game gives La Liga’s outfit the obvious advantages, and it will be interesting if Chelsea can turn it around in the second half.
The blues were everywhere in the first half and could have been easily admitted multiple times. Malo Gusto in particular struggles in the back, and former Chelsea midfielder Steve Sidwell believes Enzo Maresca should have started Reese James instead.
Malo Gusto struggled in the first half
Sidwell told the BBC: “We needed to change for Chelsea. I was surprised that Reese James didn’t start in the first place. He played the captain in the European Cup final. Malo Gusto was not a race.”
Reese James in the second half
Chelsea decided to sign the 25-year-old early in the second half, but it remains to be seen whether he can impose himself on the game and help Chelsea on both ends of the pitch. Given Gusto’s performance in the first half of the game, it’s a necessary change and England International could make a big difference for them for the rest of the game.
The French defender, who costs 45,000 pounds a week, was unable to actually settle in the game, and his lack of experience in the Major Cup final was clear. Gusto has a mediocre campaign and he is also linked to the exit.
Chelsea are desperate to win the Cup competition and end the season strong. They were doing well in the Premier League and secured their qualifications for the Champions League. They will end the season with silverware, which will be a huge boost to their morale.
