To secure a spot in the top 8 and avoid the playoffs phase of the UCL, Chelsea needed to get all three points against Pafos.

And that was what they did at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea secured a 1-0 win over Pafos thanks to a late goal from Moises Caicedo.

Liam Rosenoir made a few changes to his starting XI, with Jorgensen, Hato, Fofana, and Liam Delap all starting. Chelsea pushed for an opener right from kickoff, but they were met with fierce resistance by Gorter, the Pafos keeper.

Chelsea came close through Pedro Neto and even saw a goal from Enzo Fernandez ruled out. Pafos almost took the lead after a shot hit Reece James’ hand and struck the crossbar. That was the visiting side’s best chance of the game as Chelsea continued piling the pressure.

Caicedo had two shots saved by Gorte,r while Estevao also forced a sublime save from him as well. 

Chelsea fans would’ve grown increasingly frustrated by the performances of the Pafos keeper, assuming the game ended 0-0. Liam Rosenior would’ve faced the wrath of the angry Chelsea fans.

However, the match had a good ending as Chelsea finally broke the deadlock in the 78th minute through a Moises Caicedo header. Chelsea are now in the top 8 of the UEFA Champions League, and if they win against Napoli next week, they will avoid the UCL playoffs and automatically qualify for the round of 16.