Basel 1 Chelsea 0: It was a bad performance, admits Jose Mourinho

Jose Mourinho criticised Chelsea for a “bad performance” despite reaching the Champions League knockout stage after Basel sealed back-to-back wins against the Blues.

Egyptian winger Mohamed Salah, who scored in his side’s 2-1 victory at Stamford Bridge in September, netted the winner in the 87th minute in Switzerland after he placed a left-footed shot past Petr Cech.

However, the Blues, who failed to create a single shot on target against Basel, booked their place in the last 16 after Schalke failed to beat Steaua Bucharest in the other Group E fixture.

“A bad performance, a deserved defeat. But because of other results, we qualify. That is the only positive thing from this night,” Mourinho told Sky Sports.

“I did not like anything from the first minute. We started with a defensive mistake.

“The team only had a bit of stability and control in the second half. I felt the team was tired, they paid the price of the international break and a crucial match against West Ham.

“There was no reaction from the players, and wrong decisions. I am not sad with them, as I understand they were not fresh.”

Meanwhile, Blues goalkeeper Petr Cech admitted that reaching the last 16 was the only positive the west London side could take from Tuesday night.

“We are qualified and that is the only positive as we did not play well. If you give your opponent in the Champions League the feeling they can win, they can win,” Cech added.

“First half we did not play well, and in the second half we improved. The last touch was always missing.”