London: Premier League Club Chelsea defeated AC Milan with a decisive 3-0 score line at Stamford Bridge to continue their Champions League campaign.
The Blues entered the game at the bottom of Group E with just one point from their first two group stage games, casting doubt on their chances of qualifying ahead of back-to-back matches against the Series A winners from the previous season.
Wesley Fofana scored his first goal for the team to give the hosts the lead at halftime despite the visitors barely getting off the ground against Chelsea in West London. Following the break, Pierre Emerick Aubameyang and Reece James each added goals to the Blues’ tally.
Despite Edouard Mendy’s return from injury, Chelsea manager Graham Potter decided to play Kepa Arrizabalaga in goal once more, while Kalidou Koulibaly made his debut start.
There weren’t many clear-cut opportunities beyond an early curling attempt from Mason Mount that was blocked as Milan got the better start of the two teams, confidently knocking the ball around.
The first goal was the result of a flurry of corner kicks, with Thiago Silva making the most of Milan’s odd choice to have Ismael Bennacer mark him. In less than a minute, the Brazilian got two free headers, one of which was saved and the other was blocked. A third came shortly after. A scramble ensued as the ball fell for Fofana to pass into the bottom corner after it was carried out into the six-yard box.
Mount had the ball in the net with a beautiful lobbed finish, but the offside flag was quickly raised. Then, Fofana hobbled out with a knee injury, dealing a serious blow to Chelsea. Rafael Leao’s effortless skipping past of the Chelsea defenders in the last seconds of the half was Milan’s finest moment. The shot by Charles De Ketelaere was stopped, and Rade Krunic was unable to score on the rebound.
Chelsea scored the second goal that their effort, and Milan’s merited after a subdued second-half opening. Fikayo Tomori failed to clear James’ clipped cross into the box, leaving Aubameyang entirely unimpeded for a straightforward middle of the field finish.
The Milan defense continued to crumble as the lead grew to three goals after five minutes. When they were caught playing out from the back, Sterling slipped the ball to James, who finished ruthlessly at the near post to put an end to the game and give Chelsea a significant advantage going into their encounter against San Siro next week.