Chelsea vs Frankfurt player ratings: Kepa Arrizabalaga and Eden Hazard the heroes in penalty shoot-out as Blues reach Europa League final
Maurizio Sarri’s side survived a scare to reach the final in Baku where they will play Arsenal
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Eden Hazard dispatched the winning penalty as Chelsea edged Frankfurt to reach the Europa League final.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek put the Blues ahead, sliding in from a tight angle after Eden Hazard's clever ball before the drama really began.
Careless defending saw in demand Luka Jovic score his second of the tie after the restart, gathering from Mijat Gacinovic before a smart finish past Kepa Arrizabalaga, sparking wild scenes in front of the away contingent. Jovic had several looks at goal to win it as a nervy Chelsea staggered into extra-time.
Sebastian Haller then saw two efforts cleared off the line: the first by David Luiz before Davide Zappacosta hooked another to safety as the Blues survived, sending the tie to penalties.
Kepa Arrizabalaga exercised his demons from Wembley with two crucial saves before Hazard stepped up to seal the win.
Here are the player ratings from Stamford Bridge.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments