Audio By Carbonatix
Two-time winners Chelsea began their Champions League campaign with a shock defeat at Dinamo Zagreb.
The Croatian champions have a woeful record in this competition – winning just five of 43 games before this meeting – but they stubbornly held on after taking a first-half lead.
The dangerous Mislav Orsic netted the 13th-minute winner, running through from the halfway line and beautifully dinking a finish past the advancing Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Dinamo came agonisingly close to a second but Stefan Ristovski’s thunderous, long-range effort was superbly tipped on to the bar by Arrizabalaga.
Deadline-day signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was handed his Chelsea debut and, although the ex-Arsenal skipper had a goal ruled out for offside, he largely looked off the pace.
Armando Broja replaced Aubameyang just before the hour mark, but the Albanian had little impact in an overall disjointed performance from Thomas Tuchel’s men.
Chelsea launched a late onslaught on Dinamo’s goal and the hosts were relieved to see Reece James’ low shot rattle the foot of the post with five minutes remaining.
In Group E’s other game, Serie A champions AC Milan drew 1-1 against Austrian champions FC Salzburg.
Tuchel did not mince his words after Chelsea suffered their third defeat in seven games in all competitions this season.
“We are clearly not there, where we need to be and where we can be,” he said. “So it’s on me, it’s on us, we need to find solutions.”
Tuchel added on BT Sport: “At the moment, everything is missing, [there is] too much to analyse. I’m a part of it.
“I am angry at myself, I am angry at our performance. I didn’t see it coming.
“We need to be much better. We are not finished, we are not happy but I thought we were on a good way. I am surprised by this performance.”
Latest Stories
-
Alhassan Suhuyini makes Christmas donations to churches within Tamale North Constituency
3 hours -
Meet 81-year-old father of UCC Acting Vice-Chancellor, who recently graduated with an MBA
3 hours -
Did you know that Ken Ofori-Atta’s lawyer, Enayat Qasimi, is the ‘Ken Ofori-Atta of Afghanistan? – Kay Codjoe writes
4 hours -
Kidnap suspect arrested in Tamale as Police rescue victim after four days
4 hours -
Tema Oil Refinery resumes crude refining after years of shutdown
4 hours -
Kojo Antwi thrills fans with regal entry, marathon performance at ‘Antwified’ concert
4 hours -
Ofori Amponsah surprises KiDi at ‘Likor On The Beach’ 2025
5 hours -
Joy FM thanks sponsors, partners and patrons after spectacular 2025 Family Party-in-the-Park
5 hours -
‘Christmas babies’ and their mothers in Volta and Oti regions receive MTN hampers
5 hours -
One dead, another injured after accident at Atwedie
5 hours -
Maggi Waakye Summit draws thousands as Ghana’s biggest waakye festival returns
6 hours -
Western Regional Minister urges Ghanaians to use Christmas to deepen national cohesion
7 hours -
Thousands turn Aburi Gardens into a festive paradise at Joy FM’s Party in the Park
7 hours -
Source of GOLDBOD’s trading funds questioned amid reported $214m loss
7 hours -
Kind Hearted Beings Charity spreads joy during festive season
7 hours
