© Photonews KRC Genk keep Chelsea at bay.
KRC Genk pulled a stunt in the Champions League. They kept Chelsea at a 1 - 1 draw. Jelle Vossen scored for Genk.
Genk coach Mario Been opted to line up Anele at left back. Up front Barda stayed on the bench, Vossen and Kennedy enjoyed their coach's trust as attacking tandem.
Köteles saves yet another penalty.
Genk started the game sure enough by putting the pressure on the Chelsea defense. The Genk fans supported their team en masse and their heroes even created a couple of minor chances in the first ten minutes. Gradually Chelsea took the game in hand. Without being too impressive the Londoners underlined the difference in level. But it took them 25 minutes to put that difference on the scoreboard. Jelle Vossen lossed the ball on the away side of the pitch, Chelsea set up a quick counter attack and Ramires netted the ball through the legs of Köteles from a tight angle. 38 minutes into the game and shortly after Meireles struck the angle of post and bar, the ball struck Buffel's arm in the area. Norwegian referee Moen did not hesitate and granted Chelsea a penalty. Penalty hero Köteles saved the strike from Luiz and kept Genk in the game. On the stroke of halftime Genk got a free kick some 20 metres out. Genk skipper Tözsèr struck it slightly over the bar.
Jelle Vossen with the equalizer.
Genk produced yet another strong start in the second half. This time they even created real chances. De Bruyne and Tözsèr forgot to finish them. De Bruyne's shot was way too weak. 55 minutes in, Genk had an excellent opportunity to score the equalizer. Kennedy's strike from close range was deflected into corner by Cech. Genk kept putting pressure on Chelsea and on the hour managed to put the scoreboard level. De Bruyne put Camus through into the Chelsea area, he pulled the ball back and Vossen struck it beyond Cech and into the net. That marked the beginning of half an hour of suspense. Genk refused to yield to Chelsea but were forced back by the quality of their opponents. There were chances on either side and the Genk fans willed their side forward. Genk had a couple of close calls but also saw an excellent opportunity for youngster Limbombe being saved in the nick of time by Cech. The score stayed at a well deserved 1 - 1. A draw celebrated by the home fans as if it were a win.
KRC Genk line up: Koteles, Vanden Borre, Nadson, Hyland, Anele, Buffel (69’ Dugary), Camus, Tozser, De Bruyne, Vossen (86’ Barda) and Kennedy (81’ Limbombe).
Chelsea FC line up: Cech, Ivanovic, Cole, Luiz, Bosingwa, Romeu, Ramires (65’ Lampard), Malouda, Meireles, Torres and Anelka (65’ Sturridge).
Scoresheet:
26’ 0 – 1: Ramires
60’ 1 – 1: Vossen
Yellow cards: De Bruyne, Meireless
Red cards:
Attendance: 22,584
Referee: Moen (Norway)
