Chelsea vs Krasnodar. UEFA Champions League Group E.
Stamford BridgeAttendance2,000.
Match report as Chelsea are held to a 1-1 draw by Krasnodar at Stamford Bridge having already qualified for the Champions League last 16; former Newcastle midfielder Remy Cabella on target for visitors
Wednesday 9 December 2020 05:54, UK
A much-changed Chelsea side were left frustrated in front of their own supporters as Krasnodar earned a 1-1 draw in the Champions League dead rubber at Stamford Bridge.
Frank Lampard's side had already been assured of top spot in Group E but former Newcastle midfielder Remy Cabella gave the Russian Premier League side the lead after 24 minutes.
Chelsea responded immediately when Jorginho converted from the spot following a foul on Tammy Abraham (28) but the hosts were unable to make their territorial dominance count during a tepid second period.
With Sevilla beating Rennes 3-1 in Tuesday night's other group encounter, Chelsea finish a point ahead of the Spaniards at the top, with Krasnodar in third having already guaranteed themselves a Europa League berth.
Roman Abramovich watched from the stands in the reverse fixture in his native Russia as Chelsea cruised to a 4-0 win. It was the first time in 18 months that the Blues owner had attended a game due to problems with his visa and escalating tensions between the UK and Russia.
He was not among the 2,000 spectators who were allowed back into Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, joining those who ended their nine-month stadium abstention last weekend, and those who braved the freezing conditions witnessed the return of Billy Gilmour and Tino Anjorin making his first senior start.
Even in the absence of the hamstrung Hakim Ziyech, Lampard's makeshift side wasted little time finding their rhythm with Kai Havertz finding Gilmour 25 yards out after six minutes, but his goal-bound effort deflected wide off Abraham.
Krasnodar manager Murad Musaev spoke of his determination for his players not to be intimidated by their west London encounter, and they fashioned their first chance when Tonny Vilhena collected Viktor Claesson's pass and volleyed over.
Chelsea had risen briefly to the Premier League summit for the first time during Lampard's tenure following their come-from-behind victory over Leeds on Saturday - but Krasnodar continued to impose themselves as Wanderson found Claesson down the left only for his strike to bend a yard wide of Kepa Arrizabalaga's left-hand post.
Lampard scoffed this week at Jurgen Klopp's claim that Chelsea are favourites to win the Premier League this term, and the Blues head coach may well point to the defending that contributed to Krasnodar's deserved opener which duly arrived on 24 minutes as evidence to the contrary.
Chelsea were finally punished for standing off the Krasnodar forwards inside the box, with centre-backs Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen far too tentative as Cabella cut inside and drilled the visitors in front.
But Chelsea have been putting their big squad to good use this season, and they were level four minutes later when Abraham was fouled by Kaio, allowing Jorginho to slot home from the spot. It was the 10th penalty Chelsea have been awarded this term, more than any other Premier League side, but there was no disputing referee Pavel Kralovec's decision.
Lampard was reluctant to make any changes at the break as he sought an improved performance, but Krasnodar continued to frustrate their opponents. Mateo Kovacic blazed over from Emerson's cross shortly after Abraham had glanced a header wide.
Kepa was then forced into action to save smartly from Wanderson's low shot before a mistake from Cristian Ramirez presented Abraham with another chance but his effort was saved by the feet of Evgeni Gorodov.
Havertz should have scored too, just minutes later, when played in by debutant Anjorin. But the German's sticky patch had continued here, and a heavy touch allowed Gorodov to recover.
Lampard turned to Timo Werner with 15 minutes remaining, and the forward was immediately involved as he came within inches of setting up Abraham for a simple finish at the far post. It just about summed up Chelsea's night.
Ultimately the Blues will move on undeterred, with immediate Premier League trips to Everton and Wolves holding far greater significance - and a last-16 Champions League tie to look forward in the new year.
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard on absence of Ziyech and Callum Hudson-Odoi: "Both will hopefully be out for about two weeks. They had scans yesterday and it's positive, particularly with Hakim. We didn't know with Callum. Tonight I was happy. It was a tough game for us to navigate."
On Anjorin, Lampard added: "In training, he's shown since last season a real ability to step straight into this level. He showed it today, the way he moves the ball quickly and his physical attributes. He's had some fitness issues, it's a work in progress, but the more he trains with us, the better he gets. With injuries we have, in the short term he will spend more time with us. He grew into the game as it went along."
On Gilmour, Lampard said: "I'm not sure at the moment [whether Billy Gilmour will continue to develop at Chelsea or out on loan], but it's just making sure that the pathway is right. He made the pathway here for himself last season, but got injured at the wrong time."
There was a lot to like about Gilmour on his first senior start since July - and it is clear to see why Lampard is so reluctant to let him go out on loan.
The 19-year-old sustained a knee injury back then against Crystal Palace, and has cut a frustrated figure in the opening months of this season as the competition for a place in Chelsea's midfield has intensified.
But the teenager looked very composed and was eager to impress from the off, as two early sighters indicated. Gilmour amassed an impressive 97 touches on the ball and while he lost possession more than any of his team-mates (15), he never shirked responsibilities as Chelsea searched in vain for a winner.
Chelsea travel to face Everton on Saturday in the Premier League; kick-off 8pm.
The Champions League last-16 draw will take place at 11am on Monday, December 14 in Nyon. You will be able to follow it across Sky Sports' platforms.
