A late Moises Caicedo header gave Chelsea a hard-fought 1-0 win over minnows Pafos and boosted their computerized qualification hopes for the Champions League final 16.
Defeat in Enzo Maresca’s last Champions League sport in cost away to Atalanta in December has given Chelsea work to do to keep away from a two-leg play-off however this slim win in head coach Liam Rosenior’s first expertise of the competitors moved them as much as eighth on purpose distinction.
There nonetheless stays large stress on subsequent Wednesday’s journey to Antonio Conte’s Napoli, with eight groups stage on 13 factors and 5 extra inside three factors of the Blues’ tally, however computerized development – and avoiding a fixture pile-up in February – is in Chelsea’s arms.
Rosenior’s first style of a Champions League sport had been a irritating one for 78 minutes, with Enzo Fernandez seeing a first-half header dominated out for a push and Pafos goalkeeper Jay Gorter pulling off a string of saves – together with three to disclaim Caicedo – for the cussed guests.
The Cypriot champions even struck the woodwork on the different finish, with a Jaja strike deflecting off Reece James’ arm and onto a put up. Penalty appeals from the guests had been rightly waved away, given the Blues’ captain’s arm was tucked into his chest, however it was a warning for Chelsea.
Estevao was introduced on at half-time to attempt to present some spark for a Chelsea workforce lacking the rested Cole Palmer however a fierce volley from the Brazilian was saved by Gorter earlier than Bruno made a goal-saving block. Defender Derrick Luckassen then flew in to stop Alejandro Garnacho from scoring.
However simply as Chelsea nerves started to jangle and considerations about them lacking out on a top-eight end rose, Caicedo met a nook unintentionally flicked on by Pafos’ Nany Dimata to nod within the decisive purpose and provides Rosenior an excellent begin in to life on this competitors. Former Blues boss Conte now stands in his approach.
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