Late Drama Sees Chelsea Edge Past Resilient Pafos in Champions League
Moisés Caicedo emerged as the hero for Chelsea, leaping for joy after his decisive late header salvaged a crucial victory against a battling Pafos side in the Champions League. The Ecuadorian midfielder's intervention in the 78th minute spared Chelsea from what could have been a humiliating result against the determined Cypriot champions, keeping alive their hopes of direct qualification for the last sixteen of Europe's premier club competition.
Mixed European Campaign Continues for Inconsistent Blues
This victory lifted Chelsea to eighth position in the standings, yet the performance highlighted their ongoing inconsistency that has characterised their return to Europe's top table. Under the management of Liam Rosenior, who was experiencing his first taste of Champions League football, Chelsea toiled against organised opposition and were at genuine risk of dropping points before Caicedo's timely intervention.
The Blues have experienced a rollercoaster campaign in Europe this season, beginning with a schooling by Bayern Munich before responding with comfortable victories over Ajax and Benfica. Their pattern of inconsistency continued with dropped points against Qarabag followed by a thrashing of Barcelona, only to conspire against themselves by losing from a winning position against Atalanta last month. This victory against Pafos represents another chapter in their unpredictable European journey.
Rosenior's Tactical Challenges and Historical Parallels
For Rosenior, the fourth head coach to try his luck at Chelsea since Thomas Tuchel's departure, there are historical parallels to draw upon. Mid-season managerial changes have acted as catalysts in previous seasons when Chelsea conquered Europe, with Roberto Di Matteo achieving success in 2012 and Tuchel repeating the feat in 2021. However, Rosenior has inherited a much more callow group than those previous managers enjoyed, which represents one of the significant challenges facing the current regime.
The mood at Stamford Bridge reflected this transitional period, with many fans having turned on the board and reactions remaining muted during Chelsea's initial struggles to break down their determined opponents. Rosenior, who exudes positivity on the touchline, found himself looking increasingly anxious as the game progressed against stubborn opposition.
Wasteful First Half and Tactical Adjustments
Chelsea began the match without the rested Cole Palmer, who was missing due to thigh tightness, and their lack of ruthlessness became evident during a frustrating first half. Despite some enterprising football, the finishing was consistently lacking. Enzo Fernández had an early goal disallowed, while Reece James whistled a shot inches wide of the target.
Liam Delap started up front but received limited service, with chances falling to less certain finishers. Pafos goalkeeper Jay Gorter made eye-catching stops from Caicedo and came to the rescue again on the stroke of half-time, racing from his line to deny Jorrel Hato when the defender advanced on goal. The Cypriot side themselves came close to taking a shock lead when Jajá struck a shot that pinged off Reece James's arm and against the woodwork.
Second Half Frustrations and Eventual Breakthrough
Rosenior made a significant tactical adjustment at half-time, bringing on Estêvão Willian for James, with the teenager operating at number ten. The substitution briefly livened the crowd, with Estêvão soon testing Gorter with a spectacular volley. However, Chelsea's frustration continued to grow as Pafos remained deep and sturdy, throwing themselves in front of crosses, blocking shots, and showing little interest in stepping out of their half as the hour approached.
Alejandro Garnacho and Pedro Neto found themselves consistently crowded out on the flanks, while the opening goal almost arrived through an inventive piece of play from Benoît Badiashile, whose backheel released Estêvão for a shot that was deflected wide. Pafos remained defiant, with Derrick Luckassen producing a crucial block to deny Garnacho after the winger had been found by Wesley Fofana.
Set-Piece Salvation and Qualification Implications
With Chelsea looking increasingly witless in open play, salvation eventually arrived from a set-piece situation. In the 78th minute, Neto delivered a corner from the right that Pafos substitute Nany Dimata failed to clear at the near post, allowing Caicedo to rush in and head powerfully into the bottom corner. The celebrations were more relieved than ecstatic, with Pafos players fuming about a potential push in the buildup that went unpunished.
This victory means Chelsea avoided their first goalless draw in European competition in 54 games, though significant improvement will be required when they visit Napoli in their final group game next week. The performance highlighted both the resilience and the limitations of Rosenior's side, with the late winner papering over concerning cracks in their attacking play against determined underdogs.
