Rampant Chelsea thrash AC Milan in crucial clash

Chelsea finally got off the mark in the 2022-23 UEFA Champions League after a 3-0 win over Italian champions AC Milan at Stamford Bridge. The Blues picked up their first win of the season in the Champions League to move off the bottom of their group.

Having picked up only one point from games against Dinamo Zagreb and RB Salzburg, Chelsea and Graham Potter needed a win desperately to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stage of the competition alive.

Chelsea started the game well, keeping the Italian champions at bay. They went closest through Thiago Silva who headed a cross from Mason Mount straight at the keeper, who sent it behind for a corner. From the resulting corner, Chelsea scored the opener in the 24th minute. After a blocked ball effort at his feet, Wesley Fofana had all the composure in the world to sidefoot his effort into the back of the net from close range. The defender was soon forced off injured with a knee injury following a collision with Rafael Leao.

AC Milan nearly drew level on the stroke of half-time as Charles De Ketelaere drew a fine reflex stop from Kepa before Ben Chilwell arrived in time to prevent Rade Krunic from scoring into an unguarded net from the rebound.

Chelsea doubled their advantage in the 56th minute through striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The former Arsenal star showed great movement and positioning to turn home an inviting cross from Reece James from close range.

The Blues secured the points in the match as James added his name to the scoresheet with an exquisite finish from a tight angle following a good pass from Raheem Sterling in the 61st minute.

Chelsea held on to claim the win and only their second clean sheet in all competitions this season, propelling them to second place in their group on four points. Both sides will face each other in San Siro on Tuesday in another crunch clash between them.