Despite an own goal from Antonio Rüdiger, Chelsea FC succeed in the dress rehearsal for the game against FC Bayern. There is a narrow victory against the Spurs.
FC Chelsea have presented themselves well prepared for the European Cup duel with FC Bayern Munich in the Premier League.
Three days before the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 at Stamford Bridge (Tuesday, 21:00), the reigning European League winners defeated Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 (1-0) in London’s city derby to consolidate their fourth place in the standings. Chelsea’s German national defender Antonio Rüdiger scored an unfortunate own goal and thus ensured the final result (89th).
French World Champion Olivier Giroud (15th) and Spain’s Marcos Alonso (48th) scored for the Blues, with whom FC Bayern still have a score to settle since the dramatic loss of the “Final dahoam” in 2012. Rüdiger played through for Chelsea in the three-man defensive chain.
Lo Celso’s horror foul remains unpunished
Tottenham’s Giovani Lo Celso provided an unpleasant scene. The Argentinean lost his balance in the 51st minute in a duel with Reece James and thus fully climbed onto the lower leg of the impressive Cesar Azpilicueta. To the horror of the blues, Lo Celso did not even get a yellow card, despite being checked by the Video Assistant Referee.
By winning, Chelsea reduced the gap on Leicester City in third place to six points. The Foxes lost 1-0 to Manchester City in a chasing duel in the evening (Premier League table).
Tottenham, however, suffered a bitter setback in the battle for the Champions League with their first defeat after three wins in a row and are now four points behind Chelsea.
Sheffield remain on top
Right in the neck of the Spurs is now Sheffield United. The Yorkshire region’s rising star drew level on points with José Mourinho’s side in a 1-1 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion, and can now continue to dream of Europe.
Burnley FC, who had no trouble at all in their 3-0 defeat of Bournemouth, are also still in the thick of the international game. Crystal Palace won 1-0 against Newcastle United even without former German international Max Meyer.
FC Southampton, with former Leipzig coach Ralph Hasenhüttl on the sidelines, celebrated a 2-0 win over Aston Villa.