Chelsea, Sevilla qualify for UCL round of 16

Chelsea and Sevilla have qualified for the round of 16 of this season’s UEFA Champions League with two games to spare. This was after the Blues defeated French club Rennes 2-1 on Tuesday night (November 25) with the Andalusians also winning in equally dramatic and similar circumstances.

The Blues dominated the early exchanged of the Group E clash decided at Roazhon Park. The first half’s solitary goal was scored by Callum Hudson-Odoi in the 22nd minute following a sweeping counter-attack. Hudson-Odoi latched onto a brilliant long-range, cross-field pass from Mason Mount and calmly slotted past Rennes goalkeeper, Alfred Gomis.

Rennes however hit back with three minutes remaining when Seyrou Geirassy netted to ensure that the hosts gave the home faithful hope of a share in the spoils. Those hopes were however dashed in heartbreaking fashion as Chelsea snatched the win at the death through Olivier Giroud’s effort following good work from Timo Werner.

Chelsea have now amassed ten points from four games, unassailable for the duo of Krasnodar and Rennes who have amassed two and one point respectively. The group’s other game between Russian side, Krasnodar and Sevilla finished 2-1 in favour of the Spaniards.

Ivan Rakitic scored a pearler on four minutes but the Russians were back on level terms through Wanderson in the 56th minute.
Just like the other game, there was to be drama at the Krasnodar Stadium as the visitors won it late on through a Munir El Haddadi strike.
Sevilla stay second with ten points with only goal difference separating them and leaders, Chelsea.