German midfielder Kai Havertz had a remarkable performance, leaving no room for the out-of-sorts striker, Romelu Lukaku
By Kehinde Okeowo
Chelsea took control of their Champions League last-16 destiny after comfortably beating Lille 2-0 at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues scored as early as the 8th minute when Kai Havertz headed in a well-weighted corner kick by Hakim Ziyech to give the host a 1-0 lead.
After the goal, Chelsea slightly edged the ball possession and goalmouth actions but none of the teams were unable to breach each other’s defence before halftime.
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Christian Pulisic made it 2-0 for Chelsea in the 63rd minute after benefiting from N’golo Konte’s superb run through the middle of the field, as the Blues secured a crucial first-leg advantage.
There was no space for out-of-sorts striker Romelu Lukaku, as Kai Havertz had a credible performance and was unlucky not to score twice before his early strike.
The victory however came at a cost with injuries to Hakim Ziyech and midfielder Mateo Kovacic ahead of Sunday’s EFL Cup final against Liverpool at Wembley.
OTHER CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ROUND OF 16 RESULT
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