Benitez warns Chelsea over complacency after semi-final win

A David Luiz winner at the death means the west London side go home with a lead after Basel equalised late on thanks to what the manager dubbed a "very strange decision"

Rafa Benitez has warned his Chelsea side against complacency in the second leg of their Europa League semi-final against Basel after a "very strange decision" nearly denied them a win in Switzerland.

It looked like the Blues would have to settle for a draw when Cesar Azpilicueta was controversially judged to have fouled Valentin Stocker in the box, and Fabian Schar dispatched the penalty.


But David Luiz’s last-gasp free kick won it for the visitors and the Chelsea boss is now urging focus from his side in the return leg next Thursday to make sure they book their place in the final.

"We had enough chances to score an away goal, but the penalty was a surprise for everyone and that could have made a difference," Benitez told reporters.

"I couldn't see why it was a penalty. The ball was in the air and it was a very, very strange decision.

"We know [Basel] is a very good team, who can score goals home and away, so we have to be sure to concentrate.

"We can't be over confident in the next game but we know that, if we play well, we can beat anyone."

The Blues will be without suspended full-back Ashley Cole after the England international picked up a booking for time-wasting, meaning he will miss the return leg at Stamford Bridge.