Chelsea Player Grades: v. Valencia

Chelsea traveled to Spain to take on Juan Mata's former club, Valencia, in the second match of their 2011 Champions League campaign. The Blues played well enough to take three points, but they were robbed by an 88' penalty, after substitute Solomon Kalou handled in the box. Lampard silenced his recent critics by finishing beautifully in the 56th minute.

CECH: A-

Well positioned, good shot-stopping, and great reactions in the few times that he was needed. An effective performance from the goalkeeper. Can't be faulted for the penalty.

BOSINGWA: B-

Beautiful cross for a Torres header early in the second half. He wasn't as convincing as he usually is going forward, but pretty solid defensive play and a few good crosses.

LUIZ: D

Zero offensive impact, poor positioning and rash tackles in defense. Repeatedly dove in on attackers in the box. This type of risky defending is what keeps Luiz out of the team most games.

TERRY: C+

An unremarkable game from the Chelsea captain, who occasionally looked too slow against the fleet-footed Valencia attackers.

COLE: B-

Defended reasonably well. No major contributions in attack, but regularly took up dangerous positions on the flank which allowed other Chelsea attackers some space.

RAMIRES: D

Wasted passes and lost the ball a number of times. He was played in clean on goal, and shot straight into the arms of the goalkeeper.

MIKEL: B

Distributed efficiently and economically. Never gave the ball away cheaply and filled in well on the occasions that the center backs were out of position.

LAMPARD: B-

Looked slow and static for most of the match, but finished with poise and precision when Malouda picked him out for the goal. Against a team like this, his playing style is not advantageous.

MATA: B+

As you would expect, Mata was fired up for this match, and put himself about the pitch with tenacity. He was always available for his teammates and moved the ball with urgency.

TORRES: B-

The center forward moved well, looking sharp and strong. He just lacked a finish, but the shots he took when played in were high quality.

MALOUDA: C

It's hard to fault him after such a beautiful ball for Lampard's goal, but for the rest of the match, he was slow and disinterested.

SUBS
MEIRELES: B+

The fluency of play jumped up immediately once he was brought on for the inferior Ramires.

ANELKA: D

No impact whatsoever.

KALOU: F

His only action was the handball with three minutes to play that cost Chelsea the win. It's a mystery why he gets minutes at all anymore.