Chelsea’s qualification for the last 16 of the Champions League will go to the final game after a dramatic 2-2 draw with Valencia.
A win for either side at the Mestalla would have sent them into the knockout stages, and Valencia broke the deadlock in the 40th minute as Carlos Soler slotted home. Mateo Kovacic levelled for Chelsea straight after, but the half ended on a sour note when Tammy Abraham was stretchered off on the stroke of half-time.
Five minutes after the break, Christian Pulisic (50) had a goal ruled out for offside, but the decision was overturned after a lengthy VAR review. Just after the hour mark, confusion reigned when Valencia were awarded a penalty, but Dani Parejo’s effort was well saved by Kepa Arrizabalaga.
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Chelsea looked to be heading into the last 16, but there was another late twist when Daniel Wass’ cross (82) pinged into the back of the net via the crossbar to send qualification from Group H into the final game-week in a fortnight’s time, with Chelsea, Valencia and Ajax all in contention for two spots in the knockout stages.
Knowing a win would see them through, Chelsea began the game well and should have scored inside three minutes. Reece James put a sensational cross into the area and picked out an unmarked Willian inside the six-yard box. However, from close range, he could only send his header over the crossbar.
Player ratings
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Valencia: Cillessen (7), Costa (6), Garay (6), Gabriel (6), Gaya (7), Torres (6), Parejo (6), Wass (7), Soler (7), Rodrigo (6), Gomez (5).
Subs used: Gameiro (4), Lee (6), Coquelin (5).
Chelsea: Kepa (6), Azpilicueta (6), Christensen (5), Zouma (6), James (8), Kante (7), Jorginho (5), Kovacic (8), Willian (6), Abraham (7), Pulisic (7).
Subs used: Batshuayi (6), Emerson (5), Mount (5).
Man of the match: Mateo Kovacic.
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Source:Â skysports.com