Chelsea sink Lille 2-0 in Romelu Lukaku’s absence
Chelsea showed they can thrive without Romelu Lukaku as Kai Havertz scored after replacing the axed Belgium striker for the 2-0 Champions League last-16, first-leg win against Lille on Tuesday.
⏰ RESULT ⏰
⚽️ Kai Havertz, Christian Pulišić
🔝 Which players put in top performances at Stamford Bridge here?#UCL
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 22, 2022
Thomas Tuchel’s side took control of the tie thanks to Havertz’s first-half header and Christian Pulisic’s clinical finish after the break at Stamford Bridge.
🇺🇸 US scorers: Christian Pulišić leads the way! ⚽️
American goalscorers in the Champions League (group stage to final) – see full list 👇#UCL
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 22, 2022
The holders will expect to complete their progress to the quarter-finals when they travel to France for the second leg on March 16.
But Chelsea’s sixth successive win in all competitions was more a referendum on their Lukaku conundrum than an indication of their chances of retaining the trophy.
𝗗𝗜𝗗 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗞𝗡𝗢𝗪?
Edouard Mendy has now kept 14 clean sheets in 18 Champions League appearances 🚫#UCL pic.twitter.com/vlCbBmyM6a
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 22, 2022