Chelsea were forced to find a late winner after looking comfortable for the most part as the Blues beat Rennes 2-1 to advance to the Champions League knockout stages.
Frank Lampard’s side started the game in Brittany firing on all cylinders and promptly carved out a host of glorious chances, the first of which was somehow blazed over from point-blank range by Timo Werner.
Not perturbed by their lack of sharpness in front of goal, shortly after the 20 minute-mark the outstanding Mason Mount put Callum Hudson-Odoi clean through on goal, and the young English winger didn’t disappoint to put Chelsea ahead.
Despite enjoying the lion’s share of possession thereafter, Lampard’s men couldn’t put the game to bed and were duly punished when Serhou Guirassy was afforded the freedom of the six-yard box to head the hosts level.
With time running out and Chelsea’s hopes of sealing qualifying with two matchdays to spare in the balance, substitute Olivier Giroud – a man with plenty of questions over his future – popped up in the 91st minute to head the Blues back into the lead.
Chelsea will now aim to finish top of Group E in order to book a potentially favourable draw in the next round.
Here’s how we rated the players…
