Chelsea's top four credentials is in doubt as they succumb to a 2-1 defeat to Southampton. With a gruelling week ahead Rafa Benitez rested a
number of key men for the clash, Eden Hazard, David
Luiz and Ashley Cole all made way, while Juan Mata
(illness) and Gary Cahill (knee) were unavailable.
Therefore the likes of Ryan Bertrand, Terry, Marko
Marin and Victor Moses started. Saints, meanwhile,
were without injured Adam Lallana but young left
back and reported Blues target Luke Shaw recovered on time.
Saints deservedly went ahead
through Jay Rodriguez after a
good start to the match, but were pulled back level
when John Terry headed home. However a Rickie
Lambert free-kick restored the hosts' lead before half-
time and they held on for another top-half scalp after
the break.Fernando Torres thought he had equalised just
moments later when he had the ball in the net after
breaking free of Jos Hooiveld, however he was
penalised for handling in the build up and it was ruled
out.
with Saints able to hold on
to a vital victory in their push for survival - also
denting Chelsea's hopes of Champions League
football next season.
Barcelona midfielder Xavi has stated that netting a hat-trick in Sunday's Primera Division match at home against arch-rivals Real Madrid would be a dream come true. The 32-year-old has won numerous trophies both at club and international level, but still awaits his first hat-trick, and he sees the Clasico as the perfect opportunity for yet another milestone. "Is there something I have left to do? Scoring a hat-trick... I would be delighted to score one against Madrid," Xavi smiled at a press conference. "We're not really thinking about whether a win would worsen the problems in Madrid's squad. We are focussed on winning, which would be good for our morale." The influential playmaker then went on to discuss the situation of injured players such as Gerard Pique, Carles Puyol and Eric Abidal, who is continuing his recovery from a liver transplant earlier this year. "At this moment, there's a 50 per cent chance that Piq...
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