Chelsea 2-1 Dinamo Zagreb
by Dom Smith
at Stamford Bridge

DEFEAT to Dinamo Zagreb lost Thomas Tuchel his job in September. Tuchel was already under pressure before Chelsea’s 1-0 defeat in the Croatian capital. His replacement Graham Potter was in a spot of bother here too after a demoralising 4-1 defeat to former employers Brighton. But unlike that evening in Zagreb, Chelsea had legs — and ideas — here. That’s why they go through as group winners after a deserved 2-1 victory.

The raucous Dinamo fans started their chanting at such a high bar that it felt totally inconceivable that they might maintain that level throughout the 90 minutes. But they did. And with the match not even seven minutes old, they could almost be heard back in Croatia as their side — already eliminated from the Champions League — took an unexpected lead.

Sadegh Moharrami’s cross evaded the half-hearted block attempt from Ben Chilwell and bounced off a mixture of Arijan Ademi and Cesar Azpilicueta’s heads. The ball fell into the path of Bruno Petkovic, who converted to give the visitors a shock early lead. Thirteen minutes in Zagreb. Seven minutes here at Stamford Bridge. They knew how to catch Chelsea out early.