Chelsea got their title defense in the knockout stages off to a good start as they produced one of the comfortable football scores of the midweek action in the Champions League. Kai Havertz opened the scoring in the eighth minute before Christian Pulisic equalized in the 63rd minute to seal the win. N’Golo Kante was awarded the man of the match for his stunning performance in midfield.
Player ratings
Chelsea: Mendy (6), Christensen (6), Thiago Silva (8), Rudiger (7), Azpilicueta (6), Kante (8), Kovacic (6), Alonso (6), Ziyech (7), Havertz (8), Pulisic (7).
Subs: Werner (n/a), Loftus-Cheek (6), Saul (6), Sarr (n/a).
Lille: Leo Jardim (6), Celik (7), Fonte (6), Botman (7), Djalo (6), Onana (6), Xeka (7), Andre (6), Sanches (7), David (5), Bamba (6).
Subs: Gudmundsson (n/a), Ben Arfa (n/a), Yilmaz (5), Zhegrova (n/a).
Man of the match: N’Golo Kante.
Managers Reaction
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel: “We had very strong periods in the first 10 minutes but we also had periods when it was totally gone from one minute to another. Sometimes there was a lack of fluidity and decision-making but we recovered from it. It’s the story at the moment but there were many good things. If we can make the good minutes longer with a bit more consistency, this is the next step. This was a very well-prepared opponent today, they were very physical. We didn’t allow big chances and this was the feeling throughout the whole match. I’m really pleased for Kai. His effort, his work rate, and the volume of the areas of the pitch he covers for us are immense and very good.”
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