Defence is best form of attack for Blues in Europe

CHELSEA’S defence of their European crown starts for real tonight, with the unavoidable question hanging over Thomas Tuchel’s side: can they do it again?

- James Robson

Last year’s remarkable Champions League triumph was enough to confirm that anything is possible in club football’s biggest competition.

Chelsea, in ninth place when Tuchel was parachuted in last January, defeated the champions of both Spain and England on their way to the trophy, as well as humbling the all-time kings of Europe, Real Madrid. It was a testament to organisation, momentum and belief.

It was a heady cocktail that took them all the way to Porto last May, where Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City were brought down to earth, despite a 19-point gap separating the sides in the Premier League’s final standings.

If last season is conclusive evidence as to why it is impossible to rule Chelsea out, the argument against back-to-back triumphs is considerable.

Chelsea may be newly-crowned world champions, but their form since the end of November has been anything but befitting of that title. Their Premier League challenge was over by January and the aura of invincibility created at the start of the season has given way to a sense of uncertainty and vulnerability that opponents have increasingly looked to exploit.

Their recent run underlines the ongoing issues Tuchel is facing.

It took an 89th-minute strike from Hakim Ziyech to secure victory against Crystal Palace on Saturday; a Kai Havertz penalty with three minutes remaining in extra-time settled the Club World Cup Final against Palmeiras; and it was a late, late penalty save from Kepa Arrizabalaga in extra-time that saw Chelsea see off the challenge of League One Plymouth in the FA Cup.

It is that form that will have tonight’s opponents Lille believing they can cause an upset at the home of the European champions.