Chelsea set up a Champions League showdown with Juventus at Stamford Bridge after claiming their third Group H win away at Malmo.
A dominant performance brought just the solitary Hakim Ziyech goal. But that was enough to go level on points with the Italians ahead of their match agains Zenit. And there is now a potential winner-takes-all scenario when the two sides face after the international break.
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Thomas Tuchel made just three changes from the weekend win over Newcastle. Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcus Alonso replaced the first-choice full-back pair of Reece James and Ben Chilwell.
And Ruben Loftus-Cheek also came into the side for N’Golo Kante.
The Blues got on the front foot right from the off. Kai Havertz was soon in the Malmo box where he went down after contact, but claims for a penalty were dismissed despite a VAR check.
A loose Loftus-Cheek pass being pounced upon led to the hosts counter-attacking. The break came to nothing as they looked to impose themselves on the game.
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Azpilicueta registered the first shot on target for either side when his low left-footed shot was put wide by Johan Dahlin.
The goalkeeper had to save again soon after. Havertz made waves down the right flank before feeding Ziyech, who saw his shot smothered.
The Swedish outfit did get forward themselves once more and were claiming for a penalty of their own when Andreas Christensen tackled Sebastian Nanasi. The referee again waved play on.
Chelsea should have had a second through Havertz. The forward was again played in by Loftus-Cheek, this time receiving a delicate chip which he fired straight at Dahlin.
They saw out the remainder of the match in professional style to wrap up all three points.
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