Relief for Rosenior as Chelsea edge past resourceful Pafos in the Champions League

Stamford Bridge

Chelsea 1 Pafos 0

It was a nervy night, characterised with a superb showing from the visitors from Cyprus – but patient Chelsea eventually prevailed with a narrow win which just about forced them into the top eight of the Champions League.

The Blues dominated proceedings at Stamford Bridge in Liam Rosenior’s first experience as a head coach in Europe’s elite competition. Yet it took until the 77^th minute for the illustrious west Londoners and world champions no less, to find a way past what had been hitherto a defensive masterclass from Pafos – a club only formed in 2014 and with a current squad costing a combined €30,8m.

Context is particularly crucial in this instance. And to put into perspective, Moises Caicedo, the match winning scorer, cost a cool £115m.

Caicedo headed home from a corner to soothe Rosenior’s nerves on match day seven. The Cypriot champions were full of resource and concentration, their goalkeeper Jay Gorter enjoying a string of stunning saves. This encounter, which was much anticipated in Cyprus, was something of an audition for these players. Consequently, Gorter should now be very much on the radar of suitors at bigger clubs on the continent.

Rosenior is relieved that his players got the job done as Chelsea now join Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham and Newcastle United in the top eight. However, with a host of clubs still on 13 points, including Barcelona, Sporting CP, Atletico Madrid and Manchester City, the Londoners likely need to beat Napoli away on the final day to finish in the top eight and avoid two play-off matches in the 36-team league phase.

Rosenior, incidentally, failed to acknowledge Pafos and what they could bring in his match programme notes, which was, if we are being charitable, an oversight for a rookie coach at this level, or bordering on disrespect. As it transpired, the Cypriots gave him plenty to think about.

'Banging'

“You have to keep banging on the door and get a breakthrough”, admitted Rosenior. “The group kept going even thought hey made save after save, but we kept going to get the result we deserved.

“Moises is an outstanding player and we were always a threat at set plays against a low block. The reality is we are in the top eight and have a fantastic chance to go through.

“This team can go a long way and I am very excited about the future of this club.”

Pedro Neto looked the liveliest in blue early on as Chelsea applied pressure on the Cypriot side.

Reece James went close with a 20 yard shot which sailed just past the post in the 16^th minute, while Enzo Fernandez had a headed goal – perhaps controversially - disallowed for a foul in close range.

When Pafos did go on a rare foray, attacker Jaja curled a shot which came off Reece James and on to the post. Claims of handball from the Brazilian live wire went unheeded.

Still the hosts’ pressure remained. Caicedo saw a shot well parried by increasingly busy Gorter. But it proved to be a tetchy and frustrating opening half for the Blues, encapsulated by another terrific save by Gorter, from a Caicedo pile driver.

Rosenior made a couple of interval substitutions – Robert Sanchez replaced the injured Filip Jorgensen in goal, while Estevao came on for James. The onus was quite obviously on Chelsea to break what was admirable resistance from Albert Celades’ outfit and presumably the zest which fan favourite Estevao offers was part of the head coach’s thinking.

And the young Brazilian was next up to be thwarted by a combination of well organised Cypriot defending, spearheaded by stopper Derrick Luckassen, who was outstanding.

Relief

Regrettably for the Cypriot champions, it was not to be. Their excellent endeavours lasted until thirteen minutes from the end when – finally – all the Chelsea pressure paid off. Caicedo managed to slip a marker to head home from a corner, much to the relief of the Stamford Bridge fans.

It was rough justice for Pafos, a squad assembled for a mere €30.8m. “I am very proud of the players”, said Pafos boss Celades afterwards. “They showed a great mentality against one of the best teams in the world. We did an amazing defensive job, and who would have thought that Pafos would have six points in the Champions League? We deserve to be here.”

Ultimately, the largesse of Chelsea told. If the prosaic manner of a single goal victory will not live long in the memory of the fans, it will be keenly accepted by Rosenior, in charge of just his fourth game at the Blues.

Rosenior also confirmed that Cole Palmer was rested as a precautionary measure but may be in contention for the visit to Crystal Palace on Sunday.

And the Blues head coach will probably ring a few personnel changes amid what has been a busy schedule.

Blues: Jorgensen (Sanchez 46), Badiashile, Neto, Fernandez, Delap (Pedro 69), Hato (Cucurella 69), James (Estevao 46), Caicedo, Gusto, Fofana, Garnacho (Gittens 69)