Chelsea were able to advance through to the knockout stages of the Europa League on Thursday evening as they defeated BATE Borisov.
The Blues travelled to Belarus knowing that a win would book them their place in the Europa League’s Round of 32 following a perfect start to the competition this season.
Maurizio Sarri rotated his side and handed some fringe players the opportunity to impress, but the likes of Eden Hazard and Jorginho were still called upon to make the difference.
Ultimately, it was Olivier Giroud who proved to be the difference on the night as the France international’s header was enough to clinch Chelsea a narrow 1-0 win.
Sarri will be content in the knowledge that his side have secured their place in the knockout rounds but will know that the Blues’ performance was nowhere near the levels they have achieved already this season.
Here are five findings from the win against BATE.
