(Video): Perfect technique on impossible free kick angle puts Chelsea ahead | OneFootball

You can’t rely on Reece James’ body, but boy can you rely on his technique.

Just as Chelsea’s attacking play began to break down against Benfica and their control of the game began to slip, the captain stepped up to take a free kick from a wide area.

James fools Trubin with excellent whip

Reece James catches an energy gel. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

With everyone expecting him to flight it in for a header, he whipped it low to the near post and caught of Anatoliy Trubin, the Benfica keeper who had been so excellent until that point.

He scored an excellent free kick on his England return against Latvia back in March, and he’s scored another one here. What a weapon to have in your team.

This was his first goal for Chelsea since mid-January, when we faced Copenhagen. Weirdly, this is perhaps an even more important goal, given the amount of money on the line in this tournament.

You can see the goal in the clips embedded here:

[Footage from DAZN]

Chelsea need to stay calm and hold lead in the heat

This game is far from over – the control we had in the first half is long gone as the game has broken down in the heat.

We need to show all our character and composure to manage this result, with a cooling break now taking place to allow everyone to get their heads together. Some clever subs from Enzo Maresca should allow that to happen. There’s tons of quality on the bench, and they’re all itching to get a game. This is the time to use them.

Make the opposition chase the ball for a bit and they will be too knackered to pursue us much further. The quarter – then semi – finals are not far away now.