Nemanja Matic believes the point secured against Dynamo Kiev last night could prove crucial in our bid to qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League.
The Blues performed well in Ukraine but were held to a goalless draw by the hosts. BothEden Hazard and Willian struck the woodwork, while Cesc Fabregas was denied what looked like a stonewall penalty in the first half.
Matic, who was restored to the starting line-up, earned the praise of his manager after the game, with Jose Mourinho describing the midfielder’s performance as 'phenomenal'. The player felt it was a case of one point gained, rather than two lost.
‘We wanted to get three points but we have to respect the fact we got one, and it could be very important for us when we finish the group,’ said the Serbian.
‘We played against a good team. They were very solid, very compact and the supporters saw a good game between two good teams. Of course we are not happy with a point but it’s better to get one than lose the game.
‘Their striker (Artem Kravets) was always dangerous and when the ball was behind our defence the winger, Yarmolenko, was also dangerous. They had some players that we needed to stop and I think we did that very well.’
Our next game in the competition sees us welcome Dynamo Kiev to Stamford Bridge in a fortnight’s time, with just a point between the two teams.
There were plenty of positives to take from last night’s contest, including a second consecutive clean sheet, and Matic is confident it won’t be too long before we recapture top form.
‘Step by step I think we are getting better,’ he said. ‘We are not in a great position but we are working hard and slowly we will get back to what we had last season.
‘I’m sure that as a team we will improve. Confidence is not high when you are in a position like we are now in the Premier League but I’m sure we will do better.
‘I will be happy when we get out of the group and get closer to the top of the Premier League.’
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