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Olivier Giroud saved Chelsea’s blush with a poacher’s shot in injury time to secure a 2-1 Champions League win in Rennes.
Callum Hudson-Odoi’s crisp finish saw the Blues win 1-0 for most of their Group E clash in France, only for Serhou Guirassy to tie in the end for Rennes.
But just as West Londoners were beginning to mourn a series of missed opportunities, the ever-reliable Giroud appeared to return home and regain victory.
Chelsea’s fourth victory in their four games sealed their safe passage to the Champions League round of 16, and with two group matches to spare.
Frank Lampard’s men have been undefeated for 13 matches in all competitions and will travel to Seville on Wednesday, December 2, knowing that a victory would leave the Blues favorites at the top of the group.
Chelsea should have been ahead before the hosts had had time to settle down.
Timo Werner somehow went over the crossbar from just a few meters and with the goal at his mercy. Hudson-Odoi exchanged passes with Cesar Azpilicueta, cut clear down the right and delivered a perfect low cross, but Werner crashed into the stands.
However, the relentless visitors went on undeterred, and Hudson-Odoi capped off an impressive first half with a fine goal.
Mason Mount’s high pass cleared Hudson-Odoi and the young England forward entered home in style to put the Blues at a well-deserved lead.
Goalkeeper Alfred Gomis made a quick reactionary save to deny Mount’s stabbing effort that kept Rennes in the match just after half an hour.
And Guirassy blew a golden start for the hosts after holding on to Ben Chilwell’s shocking pass. The ball without looking from the left side fell directly on Guirassy, who ran towards the goal but was entertained and his eventual cross pass was swept by Thiago Silva.
Chelsea still deserved their 1-0 lead at the break, and could have doubled that count immediately after the break.
Werner was free to head into the net, only for a correct offside call to mark the effort.
However, a second goal continued to elude Chelsea, with an emboldened Rennes returning to the game.
Gerzino Nyamsi headed in from a corner and thought he had scored, only for Edouard Mendy to conjure up a good save and great physical pressure as he entered the area.
However, Guirassy scored for Rennes with just six minutes remaining, and the forward headed home unmarked from a corner.
Yet just as the Blues expected to regret their earlier missed opportunities, super substitute Giroud appeared to score a vital goal.
Werner should have buried another good chance, but Gomis made a good save to frustrate the frustrated German striker. However, the ball looped and the lurking Giroud reacted first to nod and seal the Blues victory.
Full match details
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