Werner strikes twice from the penalty spot to see Chelsea cruise past 10-man Rennes

By Paul Lagan

Chelsea 3 Rennes 0 (Champions League Group E)

Timo Werner’s brace of penalties set Chelsea onto their way to a comfortable 3-0 win against Rennes tonight at Stamford Bridge in the Champions League.

Tammy Abraham’s smart half volley five minutes into the second half completed the scoring which saw Rennes defender Chagas Estevao sent off for a second yellow a card which resulted in Werner’s second penalty.

It took the Blues 10 minutes to open the score against the French outfit. Having had a shout for a penalty for Rennes dismissed a minute earlier, up popped Timo Werner at the other end. The German striker was tripped and a spot kick was awarded.

Previous penalty-taker Jorginho, who missed his previous group match, against Krasnodar, gave up the role and Werner stepped up and smashed the ball home to give the west Londoners the lead.

The Blues were handed another penalty on 40 minutes when Tammy Abraham shot was hit on the arm by Chagas Estevao. Since he was already yellow carded, he was awarded another yellow for obstructing a goal-scoring situation and thus sent off.

Werner smashed in the spot kick to double the lead.

Five minutes into the second half, and Abraham slotted home with a smart left footer after an excellent right byline cross by Reece James to make it 3-0.

It was his last action as he was replaced by Olivier Giroud. Also Emerson, came on for Ben Chilwell.

Werner almost had a tap-in for his third, but at the last moment, a Da Silver defender nipped in to glance the ball away from goal.

Toni Rudiger was then brought on for Silva on 68 minutes.

Gomis thwarted Giroud on 74 minutes as the Blues cruised to three points with little resistance from the 10-men.

Hakim Ziyech night ended when he was replaced by Callum Hudson-Odoi. The blues saw the final minutes out with ease.

The Blues are home to Sheffield United in the Premier League on Saturday.

Teams

Chelsea: Mendy, James, Zouma, Silva, Chilwell, Jorginho, Kante, Mount, Ziyech, Abraham, Werner

Subs: Rudiger, Alonso, Christensen, Caballero, Tomori, Kovacic, Giroud, Hudson-Odoi, Azpilicueta, Emerson, Ziger

Rennes: Gomis, Traore, Da Silva, Aguerd, Chagas Estevao, Nzonzi, Gboho, Lea Siliki, Bourigeaud, Terrier, Guirassy

Subs: Salin, Nyamsi, Grenier, Doku, Del Castillo, Hunou, Bonet, Truffert, Assignon, Ritter, Omari, Ugochukwu

Referee: Felix Zwayer