Chelsea took control of their Champions League last-16 tie against Lille with a comfortable victory at Stamford Bridge.

Kai Havertz headed in Hakim Ziyech's corner after eight minutes and Christian Pulisic was the beneficiary of a superb run and pass from N'Golo Kante in the 63rd minute as the Blues secured a crucial first-leg advantage.

Out-of-sorts striker Romelu Lukaku was only a substitute, with Havertz the main attacking threat - and the German almost scoring twice before his early strike.

The only negatives on a good night for Chelsea and manager Thomas Tuchel were injuries to Ziyech and midfielder Mateo Kovacic ahead of Sunday's EFL Cup final against Liverpool at Wembley.

Silva and Kante class acts

Chelsea had few alarms against a spirited Lille side, with their composed and professional performance summed up by the quality shown by veteran defender Thiago Silva and outstanding midfield man Kante.

Silva made a mockery of his 37 years with a peerless performance, spending most of the night in cruise control, displaying experience and perfect positioning to snuff out any moments of danger.

The Brazilian also has a turn of pace when required and is such a consummate performer that he is a cult figure among Chelsea fans, who chanted his name throughout. Silva is a defender and leader of the highest class, who appears to improve with age.

A further bonus for boss Tuchel was the return of Kante to prime form, plugging gaps and starting attacks all over the pitch - perpetual motion at all times and a crucial component in his side's engine room.

There was no better illustration of what Kante brings to Chelsea than the surging run and perfect pass to Pulisic, that allowed the forward to lift a finish over the onrushing Lille keeper Leo Jardim for a second goal that may yet prove decisive in pursuit of a place in the last eight.

Tuchel will be concerned Kante's midfield partner Kovacic failed to shake off a knock he sustained in the first half - and Ziyech limped off too.

But there was plenty to be satisfied about as Chelsea look to retain the crown they won against Manchester City in Porto last June.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/60465271

Mukina2.
Dominique.
Mynd44.

BLUES FOR LIFE.




Ion,
On 22/2/22, this was Juventus' first draw in 22 Champions League matches, since a 2-2 draw at Atletico Madrid

Our Forward Kai Havertz tells BT Sport: "We knew that it was a difficult game, they played good football and the first half was very difficult for us. Now it is half-time and the next game we have to win as well.

"I always give my best also in the Premier League, sometimes you have more luck, sometimes you don't and I help where I can.

"It is good for me (playing advanced forward). We have a lot of good strikers so it is also good to have a change and not make it easy for the opposition. Today it worked good and I enjoy every forward position.

"We did not play our best football, we could not get the aggressiveness of the last few weeks but we won 2-0 and that is the most important thing. Sunday is another competition and we have to focus on that now.

"It is crazy, we have a lot of chances to win another trophy on Sunday, it will be a tough game. We will put all our strength together and hope we win this game."

well deserved...would like to see this Chelsea play PSG in next leg.

post=110460082:
Our Forward Kai Havertz tells BT Sport: "We knew that it was a difficult game, they played good football and the first half was very difficult for us. Now it is half-time and the next game we have to win as well.

"I always give my best also in the Premier League, sometimes you have more luck, sometimes you don't and I help where I can.

"It is good for me (playing advanced forward). We have a lot of good strikers so it is also good to have a change and not make it easy for the opposition. Today it worked good and I enjoy every forward position.

"We did not play our best football, we could not get the aggressiveness of the last few weeks but we won 2-0 and that is the most important thing. Sunday is another competition and we have to focus on that now.

"It is crazy, we have a lot of chances to win another trophy on Sunday, it will be a tough game. We will put all our strength together and hope we win this game."

who ask u all dis wan...u create post n occupy both first to.comment n second to comment join...stingy person..

Congratulations to Chelsea..........
Congratulations to my online role modelsandmentors........coming from a Madrid Fan.

See this Cheap game naim una dey talk say "it's too difficult?"...
No wahala, mancity awaits you in quarter final.

Athemisia:
See this Cheap game naim una dey talk say "it's too difficult?"...
No wahala, mancity awaits you in quarter final.

Just as dem await dem for last year finals.
Una no dey shame sef?