Asamoah excels as Juventus spoil Chelsea party

Juventus midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah showed his top-class status as he was among the players who excelled when they held Chelsea to a 2-2 draw in the Champions League on Wednesday.

The Ghana international got high marks as Chelsea blew a two-goal lead as their defence of the Champions League title got off to a breathless start.

Oscar looked set to enjoy a dream European debut with a stunning first-half double but the Italian champions ruthlessly exposed the holders’ defensive deficiencies to snatch a draw.

Arturo Vidal pulled a goal back before the break and, after Eden Hazard was denied what appeared a penalty, Fabio Quagliarella came off the bench to equalise and was a lick of paint from completing a sensational turnaround.

That would have been cruel on Chelsea but – as in their Uefa Super Cup thrashing by Atletico Madrid – they left themselves exposed enough to make such an outcome possible.

Asamoah was rated among the best players on the night at Stamford Bridge as he got 7/10 for his efforts for the Italian giants.