Chelsea claimed a 2-0 victory at Stamford Bridge to take control of their Champions League last-16 contest against Lille ahead of clinching a quarter-final place in the tournament.
Kai Havertz headed in Hakim Ziyech’s corner after eight minutes and Christian Pulisic was the recipient of N’Golo Kante’s excellent run and pass in the 63rd minute, as the Blues gained a critical first-leg advantage.
Romelu Lukaku, who has been out of sorts, was only used as a substitute, with Havertz providing the major offensive danger – and the German almost scored twice before his early strike.
Injury to Ziyech and midfielder Mateo Kovacic ahead of Sunday’s EFL Cup final against Liverpool at Wembley were the only setbacks on an otherwise positive night for Chelsea and manager Thomas Tuchel.
Chelsea’s cool and professional performance against an enthusiastic Lille team was summed up by the brilliance demonstrated by senior defender Thiago Silva and exceptional midfielder Kante.
Silva impressed with an energetic display, spending the majority of the night in cruise control, exhibiting expertise and great positioning and awareness to suffocate any threat.
It was a fantastic night for Chelsea and their manager, but the concerns surrounding Lukaku will persist until the striker, who has had an unsettling season thus far, begins producing.
Many hoped he would give their frontline a cutting edge and put the finishing touches on their Champions League-winning team from the previous season.
Lukaku’s moment may come against Liverpool at Wembley on Sunday, but Tuchel went into this game with Havertz’s more complete game and goal threat – and it paid off, as Chelsea are now in a strong position to reach the quarter-finals.
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