Chelsea booked their spot in the last 16 of the Champions League with an emphatic 4-0 win in Azerbaijan against Qarabag on Wednesday evening. Penalties from Eden Hazard and Cesc Fabregas either side of a Willian double ensured the Blues’ progress into the next round of the competition. Top spot is still up for grabs, however, and Antonio Conte’s side can confirm first place in the group with a victory over Atletico Madrid in the final game in a couple weeks time. Following the result, here are the player ratings:
Thibaut Courtois – 6
Literally had nothing to do in the game. Aside from the early chance that saw the Azeri side hit the bar, Courtois’ goal was untested. Perhaps Willy Caballero could’ve been given some minutes so the Belgian earned a rest.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 6
His usual solid self. Relatively untroubled in the back three, but did well when he moved to left wing-back after Alonso went off.
David Luiz – 6
Returned to the starting line-up after being dropped. Played well, but didn’t have much to do as Chelsea dominated the game.
Antonio Rudiger – 6
A common theme for the back three. Untroubled by the Qarabag attack, who stopped their threats after the sending off.
Davide Zappacosta – 6
Had a lot of space going forward. The Italian knows how to get forward, but his final ball lack the delivery required for more goals.
Cesc Fabregas – 7
Held his nerve to re-take his penalty after the referee ordered him to take his again. Had so much time on the ball, could’ve had a number of assists.
N’Golo Kante – 7
The Frenchman does not have a bad game. After Qarabag were reduced to ten men, Kante breezed through the game.
Marcos Alonso – 6
Subbed early on ahead of Liverpool. Enjoyed a large spell on the ball, but didn’t influence game much.
Pedro – 6
Part of the build-up to the second goal. The Spaniard was unfortunate not to have a goal after being brought down by two defenders, after bring the ball from his own half.
Eden Hazard – 8
Focal points for attacks and coverted his penalty. Provided a great pass to Willian which lead to the penalty which was converted by the Belgian, and set up the Brazilian with an equisite backheel.
Willian – 9
Won two penalties and scored two. The Brazilian was lively and deserved his double. Best player on the pitch for the Blues.
Substitutes
Gary Cahill – 6
Came on for Alonso just before the hour mark. Like the back three that started the game, had nothing to do with the game already won.
Alvaro Morata – 6
Could have, and probably should have scored at least one. Looked lively after replacing Hazard after 64 minutes.
Danny Drinkwater – 6
Replaced N’Golo Kante towards the end of the game. Kept things controlled in midfield as Chelsea coasted to victory.