Marcos Alonso’s late header rescued Chelsea as they secured a slender 1-0 win in the first leg of their Europa League tie with Slavia Prague.
Maurizio Sarri’s men were second best for most of the contest but managed to nick an away goal after the left-back headed home Willian’s cross with five minutes to go.
Alonso was one of seven changes to the Blues side that beat West Ham on Monday night, with the Spaniard replacing Emerson on the left.
Eden Hazard, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and N’Golo Kante were all left on the bench but had to be called upon as Sarri’s side struggled in the Czech Republic.
The Blues head to Anfield to face league-leaders Liverpool on Sunday looking to bolster their bid for a top-four finish.
After turning an unlikely hero, Chelsea fans all had the same thing to say about Alonso’s winner.
Chelsea prevent three people attending game with Slavia Prague after racist Mo Salah video
Alright, we’re not sure he’s quite that good, but what a vital goal it was.
Will that be enough to earn Alonso a start at left-back at Anfield? Only time will tell, with the Blues kicking off on Merseyside in under 67 hours.
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