Not Good Enough: Chelsea Embarrass Themselves In Romania

03/07/2013 Bucharest, Romania

Chelsea’s struggles under Rafa Benítez continued with a 1-0 loss to Steaua Bucharest at Steaua Stadium in the Europa League on Thursday.

The extremely talented defending European champions can claim the goal they allowed was the result of a harsh penalty call, but they were outworked throughout the match by a determined Romanian side and fully deserved to lose.

Left back Ryan Bertrand was the one guilty of a clumsy foul in the box in the 33rd minute, which was then converted by forward Raul Lusescu.

It would be hard to blame Rafa Benítez for the loss as he deployed a strong lineup, though he clearly looks to be unable to motivate his side to provide maximum effort.

Fortunately for the Blues, they will have a chance to immediately redeem themselves when they take on Manchester United in the FA Cup on Sunday before hosting Steaua in the return leg at the Bridge next Tuesday.

Goal: Lusescu 33

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Cech; Ivanovic, David Luiz, Terry (c), Bertrand; Mikel, Lampard; Benayoun (Mata 63), Oscar, Hazard (Marin 74); Torres

Steaua Bucharest (4-2-3-1): Tatarusanu; Rapa, Szukala, Chiriches, Latovlevici; Bourceanu (c), Pintilii (Prepelita 57); Popa, Chipciu, Tanase; Rusescu (Gardos 90)