Kenneth Taylor received his marching orders during the first half of Chelsea’s Champions League game against Ajax on Wednesday night. Around the 15th minute, the midfielder made a shocking challenge on Facundo Buonanotte, making contact with his opponent just above the ankle.
Following referee Felix Zweier’s extensive review and Enzo Maresca’s vocal protests on the touchline, video assistant referee Soren Stokes and colleague Christian Dingert intervened. After a brief examination of the incident, Taylor was dismissed. Shortly after, Marc Giu scored the opening goal to put the Blues ahead.
Estevao Willian drifted infield with his favored left foot and found Wesley Fofana at the far post. The Chelsea defender nodded the ball back into the goal, locating the 19-year-old frontman.
Giu recognized his chance and scored from close range. The youngster will be keen to catch Maresca’s attention as Liam Delap continues to be sidelined.
Chelsea made the most of their extra players and turned things around, opening up a 4-1 lead at half-time.
Chelsea manager Maresca revealed in his pre-match press conference that he is expecting a tough night against Ajax.
As for the Dutch giants: “They always try to play their own football. It’s going to be a difficult game for sure.
“They are a club that has won this competition in the past. They want to come here and prove to everyone that they can beat us. We will try to do exactly the same.”
Maresca said of playing in the Champions League: “It’s a great competition because we’re playing against great clubs.
“I wasn’t happy with the result in Bayern, but I was happy with the performance. We knew it was going to be a difficult game.
“Benfica, we tried to prepare the game to win the game in the best possible way, but when you play against a club like this you always learn after the game. Tomorrow will be exactly the same.”
