Chelsea won 2-0 at Stamford Bridge to take control of their Champions League last-16 contest against Lille.
After eight minutes, Kai Havertz headed in Hakim Ziyech’s corner and Christian Pulisic was the recipient of N’Golo Kante’s wonderful run and ball in the 63rd minute, as the Blues gained a critical first-leg advantage.
Romelu Lukaku, who has been out of sorts, was only used as a substitute, with Havertz providing the major offensive danger – and the German almost scored twice before his early strike.
Injury to Ziyech and midfielder Mateo Kovacic ahead of Sunday’s EFL Cup final against Liverpool at Wembley were the only blemishes on an otherwise positive night for Chelsea and manager Thomas Tuchel.
