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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
World
Tom Kershaw

Chelsea vs Malmo: Player ratings as Maurizio Sarri's side edge ahead in Europa League tie thanks to Ross Barkley and Olivier Giroud

Chelsea recovered from their hammering at Manchester City with a 2-1 win at Malmo to take the upper-hand in their Europa League round of 32 tie.

Maurizio Sarri's side started positively and dominated possession, but never seemed to quite leave second gear until Ross Barkley turned in Pedro's cross after 30 minutes.

However, Chelsea seemed to lose their impetus after the break, idling with the ball until Olivier Giroud's fine flick turned in Willian's cross.

From thereon, you assumed the Blues would run away with the match, but Malmo fought back resiliently, running themselves ragged in the process.

And after 80 minutes, they got got their reward as Anders Christiansen swept past his namesake on the counter-attack and assuredly side-footed past Kepa Arrizabalaga to keep the Swede's hopes in the tie alive.

Check out the gallery above to see out player ratings.

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