Moises Caicedo’s late goal gives Chelsea a 1-0 win over Pafos, boosting their Champions League last 16 hopes in Liam Rosenior’s first European game
MOISES Caicedo’s late goal gave Chelsea a vital 1-0 win against Cypriot side Pafos on Wednesday.
The victory in Liam Rosenior’s first Champions League game as Chelsea boss moved the Blues closer to automatic qualification for the last 16.
Chelsea’s fourth win from seven group stage matches lifted them into eighth place.
A win at Napoli in their final group game would likely be enough to send Chelsea through, depending on other results.
The Blues would face a play-off round if they finish outside the top eight.
“I was delighted for Moises Caicedo to get the goal and the win we deserved,” Rosenior said.
He praised Caicedo as a “world-class midfielder” who he hopes can continue contributing goals.
Rosenior has won three times and lost once in his first four games since arriving from Strasbourg.
He replaced Enzo Maresca, who left Stamford Bridge after tensions with the club’s hierarchy.
It was far from plain sailing as Chelsea struggled to find a way past inspired Pafos keeper Jay Gorter.
Optimistic fans have noted Chelsea’s two Champions League triumphs came after mid-season managerial changes.
But Rosenior acknowledged there is a long way to go before emulating those iconic victories.
“Of course you want to score more goals but the reality is we are in the top eight,” Rosenior said.
“I can’t affect how people judge me but I am very excited for the future of this club.”
Rosenior made six changes from the weekend win over Brentford, with Cole Palmer absent injured.
Chelsea laboured for long periods and had an Enzo Fernandez header disallowed in the 18th minute.
Pafos went close when Jaja’s deflected shot hit the post with Filip Jorgensen rooted to the spot.
That near-miss served as a wake-up call for the home side.
Caicedo and Benoit Badiashile were denied before the break as Gorter continued his inspired form.
Frustration mounted among supporters, prompting a double change at half-time.
Substitute Estevao Willian nearly made an instant impact with a stinging volley saved by Gorter.
The Pafos keeper then denied Pedro Neto and Caicedo with two more fine saves.
Chelsea finally found a way past Gorter in the 78th minute from a corner.
Pafos couldn’t clear and Caicedo arrived to flick his header into the far corner from close range.
