UYL Last Four: Chelsea's Secret Weapon Anjorin Scores In Shootout As Two-Time Champions Beat Barcelona

Published: April 26, 2019

Chelsea have qualified for a record-extending fourth UEFA Youth League final after beating Barcelona 5-4 on penalties in a semifinal clash at the Colovray Stadium, Nyon on Friday evening.

England U18 international of Nigerian descent Faustino Anjorin recovered from a back injury and entered into the game as a substitute in the 72nd minute.

The attacking midfielder was manager Joe Edwards' secret weapon leading up to the game as he had been on the sidelines for more than three months and the Blues did not provide an update on his fitness ahead of their trip to Switzerland.

Anssumane Fati twice gave Barcelona the lead but the London team twice equalised through Luke McCormick and Charlie Brown in the 66th and 85th minute respectively.

Nine minutes from time and with Chelsea trailing 2-1, Anjorin missed a glorious chance to equalise for Chelsea when he fired straight at goalkeeper Arnau Tenas.

On 86 minutes, the number 14 somehow headed over the crossbar from close range following a goalmouth scramble.

The two teams were tied at 4-4 after five kicks each in the shootout, so the game went to sudden-death penalties.

Anjorin scored to make it 5-4 before Miranda's penalty was saved by Chelsea goalkeeper, Ziger.

Chelsea will meet Portuguese club Porto in Monday's showpiece in Nyon.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : chelseafc.com