Chelsea won 1-0 on Wednesday against Cypriot minnows Pafos thanks to Moise Caicedo’s late goal, helping the Blues to approach automatic qualification for the Champions League last 16.
Caicedo scored in the final minutes of Liam Rosenior’s first Champions League game at Stamford Bridge to put an end to Pafos’ unwavering opposition.
Chelsea moved into eighth place with a victory in each of their seven Champions League group games.
Depending on other outcomes, a win over Napoli in their final group game on January 28 would likely be enough to advance Chelsea to the last 16.
If they placed outside the top eight, the Blues would be subject to the unnecessary stress of a play-off round.
Rosenior replaced Enzo Maresca at Stamford Bridge after escalating tensions with the club’s hierarchy by winning three games and losing once in his first four games since arriving from Strasbourg.
Before Caicedo made the breakthrough, Chelsea struggled to find a way past inspired Pafos keeper Jay Gorter.
Chelsea’s two Champions League victories in 2012 and 2021 were the result of their mid-season switch, according to optimistic fans.
However, Rosenior needs to go a long way before Roberto Di Matteo and Thomas Tuchel can create legendary victories.
So far under Rosenior, Chelsea have been predictable rather than visually appealing, with far stricter tests awaited as the surprise replacement for Maresca.
Wake-up call
Cole Palmer, an injured England forward, was not present for the 2-0 win over Brentford on Saturday, making six changes.
Pafos, who were far from overawed in their first ever encounter with English opposition, were playing for Brazilian veteran David Luiz, a 2012 Champions League champion with Chelsea.
Chelsea struggled for a long time, and Enzo Fernandez’s close-range header was blocked for a push even when the ball was in the net in the 18th minute.
When Anderson Silva almost intercepted a wayward backpass from Filip Jorgensen, Chelsea nearly gave Pafos a shock opener, but the Blues keeper chested the ball away from danger.
When Jaja’s shot from just inside the area took a deflection off Reece James and hit the post, Jorgensen was rooted to the spot, Rosenior’s men lost their momentum, and Pafos was able to hold on.
Caicedo’s near-miss was a wake-up call before Benoit Badiashile glanced a header only inches wide before the ball was pushed away by Gorter.
Gorter, who also resisted Jorrel Hato’s fierce strike just before half-time, was forced to stop again thanks to Caicedo’s long-range drive.
At the break, Rosenior sent Robert Sanchez for Jorgensen and Estevao Willian for James, causing a rift among Chelsea supporters.
Gorter saved Estevao’s stinging volley, which almost had an instant impact, at full stretch.
Pedro Neto and Caicedo were denied by Gorter with two more excellent saves while he was enjoying the game.
In the 78th minute, Chelsea finally found a way past Gorter, much to Rosenior’s great relief.
Caicedo arrived at the far corner with a header that Pafos couldn’t clear from close range.
Source: Channels TV
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