SAN FRANCISCO, November 24, (THEWILL) –Â French striker Olivier Giroud headed in the winner in stoppage-time as visitors Chelsea beat Rennes 2-1 at the Roazhon Park to reserve their spot in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League even with two games to spare.
In the reverse fixture earlier this month, Frank Lampard’s side won 3-0. It was not that easy on Tuesday as they were made to work a lot harder for victory. And they did, clocking their sixth win in a row in all competitions.
German winger Timo Werner blasted a shot over the crossbar from six yards as Chelsea started with intent. Callum Hudson-Odoi, who set up that chance, put Chelsea ahead in the 22nd minute when he controlled midfielder Mason Mount’s long pass and tucked home.
Mount came close to putting one in himself seven minutes later but for the superb reaction save from Alfred Gomis in goal for the hosts.
Again, Chelsea were unfortunate not to get a second when Werner, who scored two of the three from the penalty spot in first leg, scored from a Cesar Azpilicueta cross. But, the German was flagged for offside.
Ligue 1 side Rennes had lost their last three matches in all competitions without finding the back of the net. They were able to break that streak as they got past Chelsea goalie Edouard Mendy, who left Rennes to Chelsea in September.
Though Mendy did well to save attempts from Gerzino Nyamsi and Sehrou Guirassy in quick succession, the latter made the hosts’ pressure tell when he headed in the equaliser in the 85th minute.
However, just when it seemed the hosts had done enough to frustrate Chelsea and earn a point on the night, substitute Olivier Giroud had the final days. The Frenchman, on the field for 22 minutes, rose above centre back Nyamsi to score a header of his own.
The win ensures that Rennes and Krasnodar cannot catch the Blues with two matches left. The same with Sevilla who were also late 2-1 winners against the Russian side Krasnodar. So, Chelsea and Sevilla advance from Group E.
For their next games, Rennes are away to Strasbourg in Ligue 1 action on Friday, while Chelsea are up for a huge derby against Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham Hotspur at home in the Premier League on Sunday.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
