London, United Kingdom. Chelsea strengthened their chances of a Champions League top-eight finish with a 78th-minute Moises Caicedo header to beat Pafos and move into eighth on goal difference.
Late breakthrough against organised Pafos
Chelsea enjoyed more than 70% possession against a highly organised Pafos side but struggled to break through for much of the night. Caicedo eventually scored from a Pedro Neto corner to secure the three points.
Goalkeeper Jay Gorter’s saves
Pafos were backed by Dutch goalkeeper Jay Gorter, who made a series of saves, including three earlier efforts from Caicedo.
Table position and final fixture
With one match to play, Chelsea are eighth on goal difference and face a tough away game at 25th-placed Napoli, managed by former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte. Chelsea are one of eight teams on 13 points, making goal difference crucial.
Rosenior and Caicedo reactions
Chelsea’s new coach Liam Rosenior, in his first Champions League game in charge, praised Caicedo. “He’s a world-class midfield player and always a threat from set plays,” Rosenior said. Caicedo described the match as tough and said the goal was important. “We got three points and now we’re going to enjoy and we’re going to keep going because we have one more game to go,” he said.
Chelsea’s expectations
Chelsea, winners of the competition in 2012 and 2021, needed victory to maintain a chance of finishing in the top eight and would have hoped for more goals against the Cypriot champions.
How do you assess Chelsea’s chances of securing a top-eight finish after this result?
