Kai Havertz scored from Hakim Ziyech’s corner kick on eight minutes before Christian Pulisic doubled the score from N’Golo Kante’s pass on 63 minutes.
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Chelsea defeated Lille 2-0 in the Champions League last-16 first leg fixture at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday. The Blues took control of the knockout tie courtesy of goals in either half from Kai Havertz and Christian Pulisic. Havertz scored from Hakim Ziyech’s assist early in the match before Pulisic doubled the score from N’Golo Kante’s pass after the hour-mark. Meanwhile striker Romelu Lukaku was an unused substitute following his anonymous display against Crystal Palace.
Happy #Twosday! ?
? 2-0 ⚪️ | #CheLil pic.twitter.com/JHLOxIJwrp
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 22, 2022
The defending champions started the match brightly as Havertz got on the end of Cesar Azpilicueta’s perfect low cross, but the German’s effort from in front of goal went over the crossbar. Few minutes later, Havertz cut inside from the right side of the penalty area and tried to curl the ball in at the far post, but the 22-year-old forward was denied by Leonardo’s outstretched left arm.
However, Havertz did break the deadlock on eight minutes in the third time of asking, when he rose unmarked two head home from Ziyech’s corner kick. Chelsea continued to push men forward as left-back Marcos Alonso’s venom-less effort from kante’s cross went straight to the keeper.
As the game progressed, Lille slowly grew into the contest. Benjamin Andre’s shot from outside the box was comfortably collected by Edouard Mendy before Renato Sanches’ long-range shot went over the crossbar.
After the break, Alonso’s volley was blocked by Mehmet Celik at the near post before Pulisic extended the lead on 63 minutes. Kante latched on to Thiago Silva’s interception and dribbled forward before releasing Pulisic on the left side of the box. The American maintained his composure and lifted the ball beyond Leonardo into the far bottom corner.
According to the SkySports website, Tuchel said: “We had very strong periods in the first 10 minutes but we also had periods when it was totally gone from one minute to another. Sometimes there was a lack of fluidity and decision-making but we recovered from it.
“It’s the story at the moment but there were many good things. If we can make the good minutes longer with a bit more consistency, this is the next step. This was a very well prepared opponent today, they were very physical. We didn’t allow big chances and this was the feeling throughout the whole match.”
