Sevilla FC 0-4 Chelsea
The Blues have secured the top spot in Group E as they dispatched Sevilla in last night’s Champions League fixture.
Chelsea were carried by the superb performance of Olivier Giroud as the Frenchman scored all four goals – with three of them coming from the second half.
“When you win 4-0 away in the Champions League, it’s a great feeling. We took the game on the front foot and we’ve been efficient up front,” said Giroud during the postgame interview.
“We play football to mark our own history. I’m pleased to help the team,” he added.
They are now unbeaten in 15 straight games in all competitions, and momentum is on their side as they turn their focus to their Premier League campaign next.
The hosts looked lacklustre and lost, particularly on the defensive side of the pitch for the whole evening as they opted to sit out some of their key starters.
While they did have their own set of chances to score, they simply couldn’t get over the hump and they are now second in Group E.
Nonetheless, Chelsea and Sevilla are officially in the Final 16 of this year’s competition with Krasnodar and Rennes bowing out, and both are primed to go far in the European showcase, as per our Champions League 2020 odds.
Here at SBOTOP, let us take a look at last night’s package of Champions League 2020 highlights, with majority of them coming from who else but Olivier Giroud.
Highlights of the game
From the get-go, Chelsea seized control by controlling the tempo of the game.
The Blues got their first chance within the first five minutes as Cesar Azpilicueta threaded the ball through to Christian Pulisic, but the latter’s shot inside the congested penalty area was a bit too wide.
Frank Lampard’s men didn’t have to wait much longer to get their first goal of the evening.
Through their patience and precise passing, Kai Havertz eventually found an open Olivier Giroud in the eighth minute, who fired an accurate finish into the far corner for his first of four.
Sevilla wouldn’t go down without a fight as they had their first chance inside the 20-minute mark.
Diego Carlos had multiple attempts at a goal as the ball ran loose from a set piece, but it was blocked by Edouard Mendy and Kurt Zouma.
Youssef En-Nesyri would try his luck in the 24th minute when he found an open space inside the box. However, his attempt flew wide despite a lapse of concentration from the Blues’ backline.
Ivan Rakitic and Nemanja Gudelj both had their opportunities on separate occasions, but they simply can’t convert on their chances.
Fast forward to the 54th minute, Chelsea would score their second goal of the evening via another masterful passing display.
Jorginho passed the ball to Mateo Kovacic, who in turn passed it precisely to Olivier Giroud, and the veteran striker flicked the ball casually over to a rushing Alfonso Pastor.
Giroud’s completed his hat-trick as he found himself in the right place at the right time 20 minutes later.
Hakim Ziyech quickly passed the ball to N’Golo Kante, and the midfielder barrelled down to the lane and volleyed the ball over for another Giroud score.
To cap off Chelsea perfect night, Sevilla’s Sergi Gomez conceded a penalty in the 83rd minute, and Olivier Giroud slammed the ball into the right corner for his fourth goal of the match.
Key statistics
Olivier Giroud became the first player since his manager Frank Lampard in 2010 to score four goals in a game for the Blues.
Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy continues to be a fortress for Chelsea as he has now tallied his ninth clean sheet in 12 tries.
Sevilla’s 14-game undefeated run at home in Europe has now been snapped, with no thanks to this victory by Chelsea.
Chelsea have won four Champions League games in a row for the first time since 2012.
What’s next?
Sevilla will attempt to bounce back from this loss as they host Real Madrid in an exciting clash this weekend.
This will be crucial since a victory by Julen Lopetegui’s men can put them over the defending La Liga champions in the standings.
On the other hand, Chelsea will go back home to host Leeds United with hopes of moving up to the top spot in the Premier League standings.
Both English clubs are expected to go at it, so this is also a can’t-miss fixture by all means.
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