Chelsea edged Pafos 1-0 thanks to Moises Caicedo’s 78th-minute header, preserving their perfect home Champions League record and moving into an automatic top‑eight spot. Punters might back Chelsea to avoid a playoff and favor a narrow home win or under 2.5 goals in next week’s crucial clash with Napoli.
Chelsea grind out late Champions League win thanks to Caicedo header
Chelsea finally broke down stubborn Pafos at Stamford Bridge as Moises Caicedo nodded home from a 78th-minute corner, securing a 1-0 victory that bolsters their hopes of automatic progression. The win maintained Chelsea’s perfect home record in the competition and lifted them into an eighth-place live position in the group standings.
Enduring problems vs low blocks
For long stretches Chelsea were ponderous, dominating possession but lacking the incision to break down a compact Pafos rearguard. The visitors soaked up pressure and frustrated the home side, who looked more like a team playing in a lower-tier contest than a Champions League night.
Chelsea had an early goal ruled out for a soft push in the box and saw several efforts kept out by Pafos goalkeeper Jay Gorter, who made key saves and blocks.
Second-half spark and the decisive set piece
Manager Liam Rosenior introduced Estevao after the interval and the substitute injected energy and creativity, forcing saves and helping to stretch the visitors. Yet with open play offering little, it was a corner routine that finally unlocked Pafos, Nany Dimata diverting the delivery and Caicedo heading home to seal the three points.
No relief for Chelsea’s attacking concerns
Liam Delap’s first Champions League start for Chelsea proved underwhelming; the striker was peripheral for much of the match and was replaced by João Pedro with around 20 minutes left. Other attacking options also struggled to impose themselves, leaving questions over Chelsea’s ability to unlock deep defenses when games are tight.
Group implications and the road ahead
The victory keeps Chelsea in the automatic qualification zone with one group game to play. A win next week in Naples against Antonio Conte’s Napoli would guarantee progression to the knockout stage without a playoff. Chelsea’s home form has carried them so far, but they must improve their attacking fluency if they are to avoid a nervy finish to the group.
Rosenior’s early record and fixture schedule
Rosenior has now won three of his opening four matches in charge, but the flat atmosphere at Stamford Bridge and inconsistent performances underline the work remaining. Chelsea travel to face Napoli next week in a must-win scenario to cement their place; domestically they are due to visit Crystal Palace on Sunday, January 25.
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Theathleticuk
