Despite putting our opponents under heavy pressure, Chelsea were unable to overturn Sporting Lisbon's first-half lead in our final group fixture of this season's Premier League International Cup, meaning it is the Portuguese side who take the second qualification spot in Group D and progress to the quarter-finals.

The all-or-nothing game at Kingsmeadow on Tuesday evening saw both teams battling fiercely, knowing only a win would send the Blues further in European competition. However, it was Sporting who struck first, with Flavio Goncalves breaking the deadlock five minutes in.

Chelsea responded almost immediately, levelling just two minutes later when winger Tyrique George fired a powerful shot that deflected off a defender and into the back of the net. Unfortunately Sporting regained the lead through Gabriel Silva shortly before half-time.

In the second half, Chelsea returned to the pitch with determination, applying relentless pressure and launching threatening attacks, but our visitors held firm to protect their advantage, meaning the Blues' involvement in this competition came to an end.

'We knew we were facing our second final of the season, if we can put it that way,' began Coelho. 'We expected that Sporting would be one of the best sides we would face all season, and unfortunately we lost the game and we have gone out of a competition in which we wished to keep going.

'The first final was against Cambridge United in the EFL Trophy, and the second was this game, in the sense that they were both must-win games for us, because a draw on Tuesday would not have been enough either.

'I think we dealt with the situation quite well. I saw a very good performance in the first half, where silly mistakes, individual ones, cost us the goals that we conceded. So the scoreline didn’t emphasise the way we dominated and the way we dealt with Sporting.

'Sporting are a very good side, a possession side, and we cut off many of their connections. We pressed high, we were aggressive, we won duels and we also created some chances. Unfortunately, they were ruthless, and from two mistakes we conceded two goals.

'The second half was more divided, but in the end we tried everything. We had to go to Plan B and try to be a bit more direct, but the players are very young and they are still learning the process. They are starting to understand how we have to change, in certain situations, from the Plan A that we have for the match and look for the goal, or entries into the box, in a more direct way.'

Although Chelsea were disappointed with the final result, the Academy programme remains focused on player development and progression, both on and off the pitch. So, what can our Under-21s squad learn from this experience going forward?

Coelho continued: 'There are many lessons we can learn and need to take into our next performances. We create chances, but if we don’t score, we still have to remain composed and keep going, not putting our heads down and disconnecting, because some opponents can punish you, which happened in this game.

'It was difficult for the players, even though we controlled the ball and Sporting gave up the ball to us and were waiting a little bit in a low block. We kept trying and kept trying, but it was difficult to beat them.

'It’s about showing more urgency, more desire in those situations and to face games like that as a final. We just need to show a bit more maturity in these cases, though, which will come with time. If a similar situation happens again, we will know the environment already because of this experience. Even though we lost, we learned a lot.'

Now we turn our focus to other competitions, such as the Under-21 Premier League Cup, where Chelsea currently sit at the top of our group with three wins and one loss, giving us a three-point cushion over second-placed Brentford. Our next fixture is in the Premier League 2, once again at our home ground, against Reading on Monday 13 January, when we hope to bounce back.

Coelho concluded: 'The Premier League International Cup has provided us with the opportunity to compete against strong European academies, allowing us to benchmark ourselves and see how we measure up. This experience has allowed the team to face unfamiliar opponents with different playing styles, which will benefit them in the long run.

'Now, with only the Premier League 2 and Premier League Cup ahead of us, we hope this fuels our hunger, heart and passion. We aim to conquer these competitions and progress to the final stages, where we should be competing for the top positions.'

Show your support

Chelsea Under-21s are next in action against Reading at Kingsmeadow on Monday at 7pm in the Premier League 2. Supporters with a men's or women's season ticket, or a Chelsea Membership, as well as anyone under the age of 20, can claim one free ticket via their online ticket account, until midday on Sunday 12 January. All other tickets can be purchased for £4 each online or, from two hours before kick-off, at the Kingsmeadow ticket office.

If you can't make it to Kingsmeadow on Monday evening, the fixture will be available to view live for free on the official Chelsea app and website. To watch the action, simply visit the Chelsea Under-21s vs Reading Match Centre below or via the homepage shortly before kick-off.