Premier League giants Chelsea came out victorious in the first leg of the Round of 16 in the Champions League as they beat French side Lille 2-0 at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday.
Club’s record signing Romelu Lukaku was named on the bench by Thomas Tuchel. Kai Havertz was handed the opportunity to start upfront. Chelsea took the lead in the 8th minute. Kai Havertz scored the opener of the tie as he scored from an Hakim Ziyech corner. Just minutes later Leo Jardim produced a fantastic save to deny Havertz.
Chelsea looked quite comfortable in possession and played through the lines quite easily. Lille’s best chance came when Antonio Rudiger diverted a cross onto his own crossbar but the French side could not capitalize. The European champions started the second half on the front foot yet again. Hakim Ziyech saw his shot saved, while Marcos Alonso’s shot was blocked.
Christian Pulisic scored the 2nd goal for Chelsea in the 63rd minute from a brilliant counterattack. The home side dominate proceedings after the second goal went in, The blues now head into the second leg of the tie with a 2 goal advantage. The Chelsea faithful will be hoping for an easy qualification into the next round.
Chelsea player ratings
Edouard Mendy 7/10
Mendy did have to make a few saves that were shot straight at him but had nothing to do for the majority of the game.
Marcos Alonso 6/10
He was a bit sloppy at times and gave possession away with sloppy passes.
Andreas Christensen 7/10
Linked the defence to midfield with his passing range and had a very good game.
Thiago Silva 9/10
Another top-class display by the veteran defender. He looked rock-solid in the hear of the Chelsea defence.
Antonio Rudiger 6/10
The German international nearly scored an own goal and also made a few rash decisions.
Cesar Azpilicueta 8/10
The Chelsea captain made plenty of forward runs. Also delivered some fine crosses into the box.
N’Golo Kante 8/10
His forward runs and passing through the lines created a massive problem for the Lille midfield and backline. He grabbed the assists for the second goal.
Mateo Kovacic 7/10
Controlled play very well in the middle of the park. But he was taken off due to a knock.
Hakim Ziyech 7/10
Ziyech assisted the first goal. He was also forced off due to an injury in the second half.
Christian Pulisic 8/10
Firstly, Pulisic scored the second goal to end the tie. Secondly, he made plenty of forward runs through the channels and explored the gap between defence and midfield pretty well.
Kai Havertz 8/10
Havertz should have left the stadium with a few more goals to his name. But a very good display on his 50th Chelsea start.
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