Champions League: Chelsea beat Salzburg to qualify for last 16, Sevilla keep hopes alive defeating Copenhagen

Salzburg: Chelsea qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League as Kai Havertz’s sumptuous strike earned a 2-1 win away to Salzburg. The victory extended the Blues’ unbeaten run under new manager Graham Potter to nine games as they moved four points above the Austrian champions at the top of Group E. Anything other than a victory for Dinamo Zagreb over AC Milan later on Tuesday will also guarantee top spot in the group for the 2021 European champions. Chelsea’s bright start under Potter has been undermined by failing to turn their approach play into goals and that was the case once more in a dominant first 45 minutes.

Big W.@WhaleFinApp #UCL pic.twitter.com/AusD9GBqiR

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) October 25, 2022

Salzburg had not suffered defeat in their first four Champions League games of the season but were grateful to goalkeeper Philipp Kohn for keeping the score down before the break. Mateo Kovacic’s fine strike into the top corner gave Kohn no chance as he opened the scoring at 23 minutes. But the German stopper won a personal duel with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang with three stunning saves to deny the former Arsenal captain. Havertz also had a header from close range parried by Kohn as Chelsea clicked into an attacking rhythm rarely seen during Potter’s first two months in charge. The English side looked like they may live to regret not taking those chances as Salzburg equalised four minutes into the second half when Junior Adamu converted Maximilian Wober’s teasing cross in behind the Chelsea defence. However, the visitors immediately responded as Kohn rushed out to deny Aubameyang once more before Adamu cleared Jorginho’s header off the line from a corner. Chelsea finally got the second goal their performance deserved when Havertz cushioned Christian Pulisic’s pass into his path before curling in off the underside of the crossbar. But Potter’s men had to withstand a late onslaught from Salzburg to hold out for all three points. The in-form Kepa Arrizabalaga was forced to fly low to his left to turn Benjamin Sesko’s effort behind. Kepa is finally beginning to deliver on his price tag as the world’s most expensive goalkeeper following his move from Athletic Bilbao in 2018. But the Spaniard was bailed out by Thiago Silva’s goal-line clearance after he was beaten to a cross by Strahinja Pavlovic. Kepa was called on again in the closing stages to save from Dijon Kameri and Amar Dedic, but Chelsea held out to ensure they will be in next month’s draw for the last 16. Sevilla beat Copenhagen 3-0, keep knockout qualification chances alive Sevilla kept their slim chances of qualification for the Champions League last 16 alive with a 3-0 win over Copenhagen on Tuesday. Youssef En-Nesyri, Isco, and Gonzalo Montiel’s goals helped Jorge Sampaoli’s side move two points behind second-placed Borussia Dortmund, who face group leaders Manchester City later Tuesday. If the German side avoid defeat at home they will progress, but Sevilla’s victory at least kept the possibility of surviving on the table. Sevilla will also be guaranteed a Europa League place if they are eliminated, with Copenhagen only able to finish fourth. After a barren first half, En-Nesyri broke the deadlock in the 61st minute with a well-timed run and a subtle flicked header from Papu Gomez’s threatening cross.

The #UCL W we needed ☑ pic.twitter.com/PjmMDZXGEa

— Sevilla FC (@SevillaFC_ENG) October 25, 2022

It forced Copenhagen to try and attack Sevilla and the hosts took advantage of having more space in attack when Isco curled home brilliantly from the edge of the box in the 88th minute. With the Danish champions rocking, Montiel followed up after a parry by Kamil Grabara to fire home in stoppage time, extending the scoreline in what had been an even game until Sevilla’s late salvo. To round off a disappointing night for Copenhagen, defender Davit Khocholava was sent off at the death for a terrible lunge at former Real Madrid midfielder Isco. Read all the Latest News , Trending News , Cricket News , Bollywood News , India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.