A effective strike from Kai Havertz earned Chelsea a battling 2-1 victory at Pink Bull Salzburg on Tuesday as they clinched a spot within the Champions League spherical of 16.
Chelsea placed on a blinding show within the first half, taking the lead within the twenty third minute by means of Mateo Kovacic’s instinctive left-foot end from 20 metres, however they wasted a number of probabilities to double their benefit earlier than the interval.
: PV Sindhu Again in High 5, HS Prannoy Strikes to twelfth in Newest BWF Rankings
The Premier League facet had been made to pay for his or her profligacy early within the second half as Junior Adamu prodded house the equaliser, just for Havertz to revive Chelsea’s lead with an outstanding curled strike into the highest nook within the sixty fourth minute.
Salzburg rallied late on however discovered keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga in effective kind, serving to the Blues see out the win that strikes them 4 factors away from second-placed Salzburg in Group E and 6 forward of AC Milan and Dinamo Zagreb, who meet afterward Tuesday.
Regardless of Salzburg by no means having overwhelmed English opposition in Europe, Chelsea’s process coming into the match appeared formidable with the Austrians on a 40-game unbeaten run in all competitions.
Nevertheless, Kovacic’s effective end from the sting of the penalty space, after Havertz was dispossessed, settled the away crew’s nerves.
Chelsea ought to have capitalised additional on their first-half domination however two very good saves from goalkeeper Philipp Kohn to thwart Gabon striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, stored the hosts within the recreation.
Salzburg appeared like a distinct crew after the break, and levelled by means of Adamu three minutes into the second half, with the ahead slotting house after a sweeping transfer.
The 2021 Champions League winners remained undeterred, with Jorginho’s header cleared off the road earlier than Havertz picked up Christian Pulisic’s go to settle the competition in type. It was his first objective from outdoors the penalty space for Chelsea.
Regardless of having to endure late Salzburg strain, Chelsea deserved the win that continues their renaissance underneath new coach Graham Potter.
The victory meant Potter grew to become the second Englishman to go undefeated in his first 9 video games as Chelsea supervisor after William Lewis in 1906-07.
Learn all of the Newest Sports activities Information right here