Holders Chelsea are through to the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals after resisting LOSC Lille’s resurgence, Christian Pulišić and César Azpilicueta scoring in northern France as the English side came from behind to wrap up a 4-1 aggregate win.
The scoreline looks comfortable but make no mistake: Chelsea had their credentials checked in northern France. Former LOSC boss Rudi Garcia urged the hosts “to plant bits of madness into this encounter” and at times they succeeded. Just for a moment, when Burak Yılmaz fired in from the penalty spot, the holders were rocking.
Jorginho’s handball had led to the penalty and the midfielder quickly made amends just before the break, rounding off an intricate move with a lovely through ball that Pulišić collected before dispatching an unerring finish across goal into the bottom corner.
LOSC were not done yet, beginning the second period with renewed purpose. Burak went close, Agim Zeka went closer with a header against the post, but Azpilicueta calmed Chelsea nerves as he turned in Mason Mount’s cross with his knee to wrap up the tie.
Reaction
Thomas Tuchel, Chelsea manager: “Brilliant! Again we’re in the quarter-finals, it’s a big step. We showed resilience, mentality and overcame difficulties. We did what was necessary and dug in.”
César Azpilicueta, Chelsea defender: “We didn’t start very well. Lille were very active. Sometimes we played in the spaces and sometimes we made a few mistakes. We are happy to make it through.”
Jocelyn Gourvennec, LOSC coach: “We did really well; the players can be proud. The fans were exceptional. We showed heart and bravery. It’s tough to lose, we didn’t deserve that. We leave with our heads held high.”
Jonathan David, LOSC forward: “It came down to small details. We played a great first half; they scored from their only chance of the half. It was a good performance, but we lost.”
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