Rovers Secure Euro Spot

Blackburn Rovers will be In UEFA Cup next season having beaten Chelsea 1-0 at Ewood Park to secure sixth spot in the league.

Many people including Blackburn boss Mark Hughes expected Chelsea to offer a stern test despite being jaded from the title win and the consequent celebrations over the bank holiday weekend. However I guess its all about timing at this stage of the season, having already dropped valuable points against Birmingham and Portsmouth in recent weeks, Rovers would have been relieved they were playinbg a side who had already achieved thier goal even if it was the Champions.

Jose Mourinho made eight changes to the side that won the title on saturday. However, Frank Lampard did start on his own request despite manager Jose Mourinho’s offer to rest him.

Blackburn went into the game with the incentive of a UEFA Cup place and were bright from the start.

Bellamy led by example with some intelligent running and the Welshman was well supported by Morten Gamst Pedersen.

Bellamy was unlucky not to score after flicking the ball onto the woodwork from Michael Gray cross.

It was then Chelsea turn to hit the woodwork as Geremi swung in a dangerous cross from the right. Gudjohnsen then toe pocked the ball which went off the upright.

Having survived that scare Blackburn went ahead two minutes before the interval. Savage crossed a free-kick which was glanced home by Reid.

Chelsea began the second half in a more adventurous mood and a Gudjohnsen volley drew a fine reaction save from Friedel.

Chelsea might also have had a penalty after Rovers substitute Aaron Mokoena tugged Hernan Crespo to the ground in the box, but the offence went unpunished as Rovers held on.