Paris (AFP)

Olivier Giroud, substitute at kickoff, could not prevent Saturday the rout of Chelsea at Sheffield United (3-0), a setback which could eject the Blues from the Big Four. In La Liga, Antoine Griezmann, discreet and released at the break, could not confirm his resumption of form with FC Barcelona, ​​winner in Valladolid (1-0).

- Giroud replacing and helpless

Holder and scorer in the last two meetings of Chelsea (3rd), Olivier Giroud started on the bench during the trip to Sheffield (6th), replaced in the eleven by Tammy Abraham. The English international finally delivered a transparent match.

It was not until the entry of the Frenchman in the 65th minute, in place of Christian Pulisic, to see the players of Frank Lampard prove to be dangerous. Giroud made his mark on his first ball when he attempted a difficult volley volley. In the 79th, his head at close range was dismissed by the goalkeeper of Sheffield.

The Blues, still deprived of N'Golo Kanté, injured, were sealed by their defense like Kurt Zouma, too passive on the first two goals.

- Griezmann cut in its tracks

Scorer against Villarreal on Sunday (4-1), author of a decisive tailgating for the goal of Luis Suarez against Espanyol Barcelona on Thursday (1-0), Antoine Griezmann (29, 78 selections) is still trying to confirm that regained its best level at Barça, but did not have the opportunity to finally tip the scales in its favor this Saturday.

The world champion, who found a more axial position in front of Lionel Messi, failed to be sharp in the first half, before giving way to Luis Suarez after the break. The Frenchman notably missed a big opportunity with his right foot (his bad foot) in the 19th, in the area. After a chaotic first season in Catalonia and a successful recovery, will Griezmann reach his peak in the Champions League in August?

- Mixed tab -

Central defender Clément Lenglet (25, 7 caps), who completely overshadowed Samuel Umtiti at Barça alongside Gerard Piqué, did not make his most convincing performance. He took an unnecessary yellow card too early in the match (40th), then lost a few duels, notably against Kike and Sergio Guardiola, before his release in the 57th minute. Faults to be corrected in view of the Champions League 8th final return match against Naples at Camp Nou in early August, after the draw in the first leg (2-2).

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