Caicedo’s goal secures win for wasteful Chelsea against minnows Pafos
Chelsea 1Caicedo (78′)
Pafos 0
Moises Caicedo scored the winner as Chelsea beat minnows Pafos to confirm their spot in the knockout rounds of the Champions League.
The Blues dominated possession from the outset, but struggled to break down the visitors despite being camped around the opposition box.
The win means Chelsea will finish in the top eight of the Champions League group phase, and automatically qualify for the round of 16, if they beat Napoli away next week.
Any other result will likely see them in a two-legged play-off.
Enzo Fernandez had an early goal ruled out after he climbed highest at the back post to head past goalkeeper Jay Gorter, but was adjudged to have fouled his man.
Pafos also came close to scoring in the first half, when a shot from Jaja deflected off Reece James and onto the post. The ball appeared to strike the hand of the Chelsea captain before it bounced off the woodwork, but no penalty was given.
The hosts then had a flurry of chances before and after the break. Caicedo saw a shot saved brilliantly by Gorter in the 35th minute, and Benoit Badiashile headed wide moments later.
Jorrel Hato was also denied by a smart stop on the stroke of half-time.
Chelsea made a double change for the second half, with goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen replaced by Rob Sanchez, while James made way for Estevao.
The young Brazilian made an immediate impact and saw a good volley saved by Gorter – who had an outstanding game – as the rain poured down at Stamford Bridge.
Wave after wave of Chelsea attacks followed, before Caicedo finally broke the deadlock in the 78th minute.
Pedro Neto’s corner was flicked into his path by a Pathos defender, and the Blues midfielder nodded the ball into the bottom corner.
With Pafos chasing an equaliser, the game opened up for the final 10 minutes, but Liam Rosenior’s side were able to keep their opponents at bay for three important points.
Chelsea: Jorgensen (Sanchez 45); Gusto, Fofana, Badiashile, Hato (Cucurella 69); James (Estevao 45), Caicedo; Neto, Fernandez, Garnacho (Gittens 69); Delap (Joao Pedro 69).
Subs not used: Acheampong, Chalobah, Emenalo, Andrey Santos, Walsh, George, Guiu.
