Reading vs Chelsea U21 — EFL Trophy

**Reading 0-2 Chelsea U21**

**What set this match apart:** This was a very typical match: only small details set it apart (62% of matches were more unusual than this one). The most striking figures come from the defensive and build-up phases, where both sides were extremely active in their own halves. Both teams completed a massive volume of passes in their own half (Reading 227, Chelsea U21 241; 468 in total, 95th percentile of the two teams' joint volume) with no real difference between them. Furthermore, both sides were under significant pressure, evidenced by a high volume of blocked shots (11 in total, 90th percentile of the two teams' joint volume), with Reading making 5 more blocked shots (defending) than the other side (Reading 8, Chelsea U21 3, 97th percentile of gaps).

**How it played out:** Chelsea U21 found more success in the final third, recording 5 shots on target to Reading's 2 (83rd percentile of gaps). This was supported by a higher volume of entries into dangerous areas, with Chelsea U21 making 3 more shots inside the box than the other side (Chelsea U21 11, Reading 8, 76th percentile of gaps). While both teams generated a high volume of corners (13 in total, 92nd percentile of joint volume) and clearances (46 in total, 77th percentile of joint volume), Chelsea U21 were more direct, making 17 more accurate long balls than the other side (Chelsea U21 38, Reading 21, 94th percentile of gaps). Reading focused on winning the ball back, as there were few tackles in the match, but Reading was clearly ahead (Reading 18, Chelsea U21 9, 93rd percentile of gaps). On the ground, Chelsea U21 won 9 more ground duels than the other side (Chelsea U21 37, Reading 28, 85th percentile of gaps).

**Verdict:** The fair probabilities are Reading win 20%, draw 20%, and Chelsea U21 win 60%. The performances pointed to a Chelsea U21 win (60%), and that is what happened. This was reflected in the final statistics, where Chelsea U21 secured 3 big chances compared to Reading's 2.