Chelsea against FC Basel

Bertrand is tackled in the box but before the ball is cleared Torres is on the case to first win it, then lay it off for Mata who curls a shot and draws a save from Sommer.

What a stage for teenage Dutchman Nathan Ake to be given a chance on.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Goalscorer Luiz is taken off for youngster Nathan Ake.

Another long range effort from Basel, this time from Diaz. They have run out of steam now and are resorting to shots from distance.

Chelsea's third and final sub will see Ake come on shortly. Likely to replace Luiz.

Another Basel effort from distance is deflected by Ivanovic before being pushed wide by the outstretched arms of Cech.

Serey Die tries his luck from outside the box and his low shot forces Cech into a save but not a particularly strenuous one.

Great work from Oscar down the right, the Brazil international makes space and bounds into it before crossing for Torres who is tackled as the ball reaches his foot.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Frei makes way Diaz in Basel's final sub.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> And there is the sub to loud applause all round. Hazard off, Mata on.

It looks like Hazard will soon be subbed for Mata.

Hazard shows great vision by spotting Sommer off his line and tries an audacious lob but the goalkeeper is able to recover and claim the ball.

The second corner is straight into the arms of the grateful goalkeeper Sommer.

Torres wins a corner which Oscar takes towards Luiz but he is beaten to it and Chelsea win another corner.

Fernando Torres celebrates his goal against FC Basel <img src="/design05/images/2013/0502/fernandotorrescelebvbasel20130502_275x155.jpg">

The game has slowed down a lot since Luiz put Chelsea 3-1 up on the night.

The pitch opens up and Elneny is presented with an opportunity to shoot from the right side of the box but it is hit over the bar.

Lampard hits it, with hopes of becoming Chelsea's joint all-time top scorer, but he kicks well over the bar.

Lampard and Luiz over the ball.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Schar is booked after grabbing Torres and dragging him down outside the area.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Ramires is subbed for Oscar.

Chelsea have taken their foot off the gas, possibly with one eye on Manchester United this weekend, and are allowing Basel forward within reason.

I wonder, with the game nearly out of sight, if Benitez will consider taking off Bertrand, Ramires or Luiz. All three will miss the final if they receive one more yellow card.

Frei turns into space on the edge of the box and before anyone from Chelsea can get close he hammers a shot against the frame of the goal. Cech wasn't close.

<b>BASEL HIT THE BAR</b>

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> A second sub for Basel, Degen comes on for Stocker.

Ha<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Streller is withdrawn for Basel, who bring on Zoua.

The Blues' aggregate lead is three goals. (5-2)

Chelsea are running riot now.

David Luiz puts the game beyond doubt, and Chelsea out of sight, with a sublime first time left foot shot that curls into the top corner.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL FOR CHELSEA</b>

All of a sudden Chelsea are full of adventure and invention. Basel will have a job on their hands to pick themselves up and turn this around now.

Would you believe it, Chelsea go close again as Ramires fires the ball across the six-yard box and the ball is almost knocked in from close range by a defender.

On aggregate it is 4-2 to Chelsea who scored two goals that were two minutes and 23 seconds apart.

Moses has now scored home and away in the Europa League quarter-finals and semi-finals this season.

Moses gives Chelsea breathing space after Torres' shot is blocked and falls into his path allowing him the chance to score from close range.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL FOR CHELSEA</b>

That has stirred the crowd who are in full voice.

That goal doesn't change much for Basel, they needed a second goal to qualify anyway. And they still do. It could give the hosts a huge lift though.

A special mention must go to Hazard's industrious running at the Basel defence which opened the chance up in the first place.

The man in the mask hits his 20th goal of the season, and eighth European goal of the season after Lampard's shot is spilled at his feet allowing him a tap-in.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL FOR CHELSEA</b>

Torres and Hazard combine but neither can find a way through Basel's wall of white shirts which blocks the Blues out.

This is also Rafa Benitez's sixth semi-final match in just over six months in charge at Chelsea. That's some going.

No changes for Chelsea at the break in what is their 64th game of a bumper campaign.

<b>KICK OFF</b>

The teams are out for the second half and it is Chelsea, shooting from left to right, who will get us underway.

With Mata and Oscar on the bench the Blues have something in reserve but they will need to be more clinical in the second half if they want to make this comfortable.

So, Chelsea, for all their possession and threat in the first half, failed to create any number of real openings and are made to pay for their profligacy by Basel.

FC Basel celeb Mohamed Salah's goal <img src="/design05/images/2013/0502/fcbaselcelebmohamedsalahgoalvcfc20130502_275x155.jpg">

I'll just take this opportunity to remind you <a href="http://espnfc.com/live/_/id/1432599/matchday-live-europa-league?cc=5739" target="_blank">that you can join Tom Sweetman here</a> for a live chat and coverage of Chelsea v Basel and Benfica v Fenerbahce

Fear not Chelsea fans, as it stands at the moment the Blues will progress on away goals.

<b>HALF TIME</b>

And that is the last action of the first half. Chelsea troop off the pitch, stunned. While Basel walk off in a haze of glory and with a vital away goal.

Stocker is given time to pick a pass in front of the static Chelsea defence and plays in Salah, who beats the offside trap to slot past Cech.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL FOR BASEL</b>

Ivanovic finds Torres, the Spaniard cuts inside one, then two and shows great skill as he lines up his shot on goal...but he gets it all wrong and hammers the ball out for a throw-in!

More magic from Moses attempts to drill the ball across the face of the goal from the left but it is blocked out by Basel.

Big penalty call for Basel is turned down. The shot strikes Bertrand in the shoulder but the visitors' players all claim it to no avail.

Basel are working hard to try and reclaim a foothold in the game. There is a real energy and purpose to their game all of a sudden.

Chelsea break through Torres through the centre, he plays it out to Hazard on the left who tries to pick out Lampard in the box but the Belgian overhits it and gives Basel a goalkick.

Chants of "There's only one England captain" as John Terry warms up on the touchline.

Fernando Torres has been impressive in bursts this evening.

<img src="/design05/images/2013/0502/fernandotorresrunvbasel20130502_275x155.jpg">

Ramires misses a sitter for Chelsea. Moses and Hazard combine to devastating effect down the left wing before the ball is played across the area to the feet of Ramires, about six yards from goal, but he shoots straight at Sommer.

Corner for Basel after Cahill is called into action by a swift through ball. The danger is quickly averted though as Cech catches the cross easily.

Close from Streller for Basel. A right wing cross from Steinhofer is met on the volley and flies across the face of goal only going narrowly wide.

Cahill, by the way, walked away seemingly unscathed.

Stocker of Basel is walking with a limp after a fullblooded challenge from Cahill took first the ball, then every bit of the man and sent him crashing to the floor.

Basel are defending in numbers and leaving just two men forward at any time in an effort to smother Chelsea's frequent attacks.

Chelsea have slowly taken control of the game and are now enjoying all of the meaningful possession while Basel are restricted to half-chances and hopeful punts forward.

The corner flies through the box before landing at the feet of Luiz at the back post who swings at the ball but doesn't make contact.

Torres pulls wide to the left wing, cuts in and plays a neat one-two before shooting towards the corner and forcing Sommer into a save at full-stretch.

A third foul of the evening by Serey Die, this time on Hazard.

Hazard's angled cross from the left wing is aimed towards Ramires but Basel goalkeeper Sommer comes to claim confidently.

Jose Mourinho's name has been chanted around Stamford Bridge for the first (and probably not last) time this evening.

Surely these two sides will not keep up this energetic pretence for too long. Both are desperately contesting every ball with barely a pause for breath.

Ivanovic is across quickly to nip the ball away from Steinhofer and concede a throw-in. Excellent defending.

Torres knocks the ball over the top of the Basel defence and Lampard stays onside to run clear before hitting a shot against the post - so close for Chelsea.

<b>LAMPARD HITS THE POST</b>

Basel's Serey Die has just given away a second free-kick for a cynical challenge on Bertrand, it was he who fouled Moses too. He might need to be careful now.

Hazard bends the ball across the face of goal but it is headed away.

Victor Moses wins a free kick for Chelsea almost on top of the corner flag on the left wing. Moses stood up to the physical defending of Basel well there.

The pitch is in pristine condition this evening, allowing both sides to move the ball about on the floor quickly.

A long ball across the pitch from Basel is cut out by Azpilicueta who heads confidently back to Cech.

Torres breaks into the box on the right wing but is tackled by Schar.

Marco Streller makes the most of an early chance for Basel, volleying across the face of goal and narrowly wide. Chelsea must sharpen up.

Basel get us underway kicking from left to right in white shirts and shorts.

<b>KICK OFF</b>

It is worth noting, an opera singer has sung a version of Chelsea's <a href="" target="_blank">Blue is the Colour</a> on the pitch pre-match...

There are a fair few Basel fans filling the away end with colour this evening, on a crisp, sunlit evening.

The teams are in the tunnel at Stamford Bridge and the crowd are in good voice. We're just moments from kick off.

He continued: "We play against a very good team, a team who have scored goals away from home, so everyone has to realise it will be tough, difficult. Hopefully I will be wrong and we will score a lot of goals and go through."

In a pre-match interview on ITV, Rafa Benitez has warned against complacency this evening. He said: "We have an opportunity but my concern is that we will be thinking we are in the final."

Remarkably, this is the fourth competition that Chelsea have reached the semi-final in this season. The others being the League Cup, the FA Cup and the World Club Cup.

Frank Lampard has taken the captain's armband for Chelsea tonight. With John Terry on the bench is that a sign that he could be in line for a starting berth against Manchester United on Sunday?

From 19:45(BST) you can join Tom Sweetman <a href="http://espnfc.com/live/_/id/1432599/matchday-live-europa-league?cc=5739" target="_blank">by clicking here</a> who will guide you through the action from both Chelsea v Basel and Benfica v Fenerbahce in the second Europa League semi-final second leg.

A little bit further down the line<a href="http://espnfc.com/blog/_/name/bootroom/id/277?cc=5739" target="_blank">Iain Macintosh explains why the return of Jose Mourinho</a> would be a good thing for the Blues.

<a href="http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1432077/chelsea-midfielder-juan-mata-insists-blues-attack-basel?cc=5739" target="_blank">Juan Mata, who is on the bench for Chelsea this evening, has urged his team-mates not to settle for a one-goal advantage.</a>

BASEL SUBS: Vailati, Joo-ho Park, Ajeti, Degen, Marcelo Diaz, Cabral, Jacques Zoua.

CHELSEA SUBS: Turnbull, Ferreira, Terry, Mata, Oscar, Benayoun, Ake

BASEL TEAM NEWS: Sommer, Voser, Schar, Sauro, Steinhofer, Die, Stocker, Salah, F Frei, Elneny, Streller.

CHELSEA TEAM NEWS: Cech, Azpilicueta, Ivanovic, Cahill, Bertrand, David Luiz, Lampard (c), Ramires, Hazard, Moses, Torres.

The Blues hold a narrow 2-1 lead from the first leg, thanks to David Luiz's late free-kick and a Victor Moses goal.

Join us from 20:05 (BST) for live commentary of Chelsea's Europa League semi-final second leg tie against Basel.

Fernando Torres celebrates his goal against FC Basel <img src="/design05/images/2013/0502/fernandotorrescelebvbasel20130502_275x155.jpg">

The game has slowed down a lot since Luiz put Chelsea 3-1 up on the night.

The pitch opens up and Elneny is presented with an opportunity to shoot from the right side of the box but it is hit over the bar.

Lampard hits it, with hopes of becoming Chelsea's joint all-time top scorer, but he kicks well over the bar.

Lampard and Luiz over the ball.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Schar is booked after grabbing Torres and dragging him down outside the area.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Ramires is subbed for Oscar.

Chelsea have taken their foot off the gas, possibly with one eye on Manchester United this weekend, and are allowing Basel forward within reason.

I wonder, with the game nearly out of sight, if Benitez will consider taking off Bertrand, Ramires or Luiz. All three will miss the final if they receive one more yellow card.

Frei turns into space on the edge of the box and before anyone from Chelsea can get close he hammers a shot against the frame of the goal. Cech wasn't close.

<b>BASEL HIT THE BAR</b>

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> A second sub for Basel, Degen comes on for Stocker.

Ha<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Streller is withdrawn for Basel, who bring on Zoua.

The Blues' aggregate lead is three goals. (5-2)

Chelsea are running riot now.

David Luiz puts the game beyond doubt, and Chelsea out of sight, with a sublime first time left foot shot that curls into the top corner.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL FOR CHELSEA</b>

All of a sudden Chelsea are full of adventure and invention. Basel will have a job on their hands to pick themselves up and turn this around now.

Would you believe it, Chelsea go close again as Ramires fires the ball across the six-yard box and the ball is almost knocked in from close range by a defender.

On aggregate it is 4-2 to Chelsea who scored two goals that were two minutes and 23 seconds apart.

Moses has now scored home and away in the Europa League quarter-finals and semi-finals this season.

Moses gives Chelsea breathing space after Torres' shot is blocked and falls into his path allowing him the chance to score from close range.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL FOR CHELSEA</b>

That has stirred the crowd who are in full voice.

That goal doesn't change much for Basel, they needed a second goal to qualify anyway. And they still do. It could give the hosts a huge lift though.

A special mention must go to Hazard's industrious running at the Basel defence which opened the chance up in the first place.

The man in the mask hits his 20th goal of the season, and eighth European goal of the season after Lampard's shot is spilled at his feet allowing him a tap-in.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL FOR CHELSEA</b>

Torres and Hazard combine but neither can find a way through Basel's wall of white shirts which blocks the Blues out.

This is also Rafa Benitez's sixth semi-final match in just over six months in charge at Chelsea. That's some going.

No changes for Chelsea at the break in what is their 64th game of a bumper campaign.

<b>KICK OFF</b>

The teams are out for the second half and it is Chelsea, shooting from left to right, who will get us underway.

With Mata and Oscar on the bench the Blues have something in reserve but they will need to be more clinical in the second half if they want to make this comfortable.

So, Chelsea, for all their possession and threat in the first half, failed to create any number of real openings and are made to pay for their profligacy by Basel.

FC Basel celeb Mohamed Salah's goal <img src="/design05/images/2013/0502/fcbaselcelebmohamedsalahgoalvcfc20130502_275x155.jpg">

I'll just take this opportunity to remind you <a href="http://espnfc.com/live/_/id/1432599/matchday-live-europa-league?cc=5739" target="_blank">that you can join Tom Sweetman here</a> for a live chat and coverage of Chelsea v Basel and Benfica v Fenerbahce

Fear not Chelsea fans, as it stands at the moment the Blues will progress on away goals.

<b>HALF TIME</b>

And that is the last action of the first half. Chelsea troop off the pitch, stunned. While Basel walk off in a haze of glory and with a vital away goal.

Stocker is given time to pick a pass in front of the static Chelsea defence and plays in Salah, who beats the offside trap to slot past Cech.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL FOR BASEL</b>

Ivanovic finds Torres, the Spaniard cuts inside one, then two and shows great skill as he lines up his shot on goal...but he gets it all wrong and hammers the ball out for a throw-in!

More magic from Moses attempts to drill the ball across the face of the goal from the left but it is blocked out by Basel.

Big penalty call for Basel is turned down. The shot strikes Bertrand in the shoulder but the visitors' players all claim it to no avail.

Basel are working hard to try and reclaim a foothold in the game. There is a real energy and purpose to their game all of a sudden.

Chelsea break through Torres through the centre, he plays it out to Hazard on the left who tries to pick out Lampard in the box but the Belgian overhits it and gives Basel a goalkick.

Chants of "There's only one England captain" as John Terry warms up on the touchline.

Fernando Torres has been impressive in bursts this evening.

<img src="/design05/images/2013/0502/fernandotorresrunvbasel20130502_275x155.jpg">

Ramires misses a sitter for Chelsea. Moses and Hazard combine to devastating effect down the left wing before the ball is played across the area to the feet of Ramires, about six yards from goal, but he shoots straight at Sommer.

Corner for Basel after Cahill is called into action by a swift through ball. The danger is quickly averted though as Cech catches the cross easily.

Close from Streller for Basel. A right wing cross from Steinhofer is met on the volley and flies across the face of goal only going narrowly wide.

Cahill, by the way, walked away seemingly unscathed.

Stocker of Basel is walking with a limp after a fullblooded challenge from Cahill took first the ball, then every bit of the man and sent him crashing to the floor.

Basel are defending in numbers and leaving just two men forward at any time in an effort to smother Chelsea's frequent attacks.

Chelsea have slowly taken control of the game and are now enjoying all of the meaningful possession while Basel are restricted to half-chances and hopeful punts forward.

The corner flies through the box before landing at the feet of Luiz at the back post who swings at the ball but doesn't make contact.

Torres pulls wide to the left wing, cuts in and plays a neat one-two before shooting towards the corner and forcing Sommer into a save at full-stretch.

A third foul of the evening by Serey Die, this time on Hazard.

Hazard's angled cross from the left wing is aimed towards Ramires but Basel goalkeeper Sommer comes to claim confidently.

Jose Mourinho's name has been chanted around Stamford Bridge for the first (and probably not last) time this evening.

Surely these two sides will not keep up this energetic pretence for too long. Both are desperately contesting every ball with barely a pause for breath.

Ivanovic is across quickly to nip the ball away from Steinhofer and concede a throw-in. Excellent defending.

Torres knocks the ball over the top of the Basel defence and Lampard stays onside to run clear before hitting a shot against the post - so close for Chelsea.

<b>LAMPARD HITS THE POST</b>

Basel's Serey Die has just given away a second free-kick for a cynical challenge on Bertrand, it was he who fouled Moses too. He might need to be careful now.

Hazard bends the ball across the face of goal but it is headed away.

Victor Moses wins a free kick for Chelsea almost on top of the corner flag on the left wing. Moses stood up to the physical defending of Basel well there.

The pitch is in pristine condition this evening, allowing both sides to move the ball about on the floor quickly.

A long ball across the pitch from Basel is cut out by Azpilicueta who heads confidently back to Cech.

Torres breaks into the box on the right wing but is tackled by Schar.

Marco Streller makes the most of an early chance for Basel, volleying across the face of goal and narrowly wide. Chelsea must sharpen up.

Basel get us underway kicking from left to right in white shirts and shorts.

<b>KICK OFF</b>

It is worth noting, an opera singer has sung a version of Chelsea's <a href="" target="_blank">Blue is the Colour</a> on the pitch pre-match...

There are a fair few Basel fans filling the away end with colour this evening, on a crisp, sunlit evening.

The teams are in the tunnel at Stamford Bridge and the crowd are in good voice. We're just moments from kick off.

He continued: "We play against a very good team, a team who have scored goals away from home, so everyone has to realise it will be tough, difficult. Hopefully I will be wrong and we will score a lot of goals and go through."

In a pre-match interview on ITV, Rafa Benitez has warned against complacency this evening. He said: "We have an opportunity but my concern is that we will be thinking we are in the final."

Remarkably, this is the fourth competition that Chelsea have reached the semi-final in this season. The others being the League Cup, the FA Cup and the World Club Cup.

Frank Lampard has taken the captain's armband for Chelsea tonight. With John Terry on the bench is that a sign that he could be in line for a starting berth against Manchester United on Sunday?

From 19:45(BST) you can join Tom Sweetman <a href="http://espnfc.com/live/_/id/1432599/matchday-live-europa-league?cc=5739" target="_blank">by clicking here</a> who will guide you through the action from both Chelsea v Basel and Benfica v Fenerbahce in the second Europa League semi-final second leg.

A little bit further down the line<a href="http://espnfc.com/blog/_/name/bootroom/id/277?cc=5739" target="_blank">Iain Macintosh explains why the return of Jose Mourinho</a> would be a good thing for the Blues.

<a href="http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1432077/chelsea-midfielder-juan-mata-insists-blues-attack-basel?cc=5739" target="_blank">Juan Mata, who is on the bench for Chelsea this evening, has urged his team-mates not to settle for a one-goal advantage.</a>

BASEL SUBS: Vailati, Joo-ho Park, Ajeti, Degen, Marcelo Diaz, Cabral, Jacques Zoua.

CHELSEA SUBS: Turnbull, Ferreira, Terry, Mata, Oscar, Benayoun, Ake

BASEL TEAM NEWS: Sommer, Voser, Schar, Sauro, Steinhofer, Die, Stocker, Salah, F Frei, Elneny, Streller.

CHELSEA TEAM NEWS: Cech, Azpilicueta, Ivanovic, Cahill, Bertrand, David Luiz, Lampard (c), Ramires, Hazard, Moses, Torres.

The Blues hold a narrow 2-1 lead from the first leg, thanks to David Luiz's late free-kick and a Victor Moses goal.

Join us from 20:05 (BST) for live commentary of Chelsea's Europa League semi-final second leg tie against Basel.