Former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole says Chelsea’s 2-0 first-leg win over Porto in the quarter-finals of the Champions League means the tie is as good as won.
Goals from Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell settled the match and gave the Blues a huge advantage after the away leg – which was played on neutral territory in Sevilla.
Coronavirus travel restrictions means the return “home” fixture next Tuesday will also be played in Spain.
“I think it’s game over,” Cole told BT Sport. “I don’t think the second leg will be a problem.
“It was an uncomfortable 2-0 and Porto had their half-chances.
“If Chelsea had used the wing-backs slightly better it would have been an easier night but I think the second leg will be a lot easier and Chelsea will cruise through to the semi-finals.”
Cole said the win in Sevilla was the perfect way to bounce back from the humiliating 5-2 home defeat against West Brom last Saturday, the first defeat since Thomas Tuchel replaced Frank Lampard as head coach.
“Tuchel took responsibility for the weekend,” Cole added. “He said ‘it’s our fault, me included’.
“It was the first little blip in his reign.
“But he will be delighted with the way his side responded.”
Cole’s former West Ham and England team-mate described Chelsea as “resolute” and said “there were no airs and graces to get the job done”.
Ex-Chelsea manager Glenn Hoddle, who spent three years at Stamford Bridge from 1993 before becoming England manager, said Tuchel’s side “played within themselves”.
Hoddle added: “They were not at their best but won the first leg of a Champions League quarter-final – and what a great sign that is to win
“There is more to come from Chelsea.”
