If this was the first daunting challenge flung at Chelsea on this schlep of a Europa League campaign, then it was a test Maurizio Sarri’s side passed. The momentum is with them for next week’s return with an away goal acquired and Eintracht Frankfurt’s early enthusiasm in the semi-final first leg having given way to choked realism by the end.
There was a flurry of late chances that the home side might have taken, but, in truth, quite how the visitors did not inflict the Germans’ first home defeat in this competition will be a source of exasperation given the number of better opportunities passed up during a dominant second half. Given how awkward Chelsea had found the early stages, it still seemed something of a triumph to have recovered authority and imposed themselves on the contest. Ruben Loftus-Cheek was imperious, Eden Hazard was scarcely used and will be refreshed for what lies ahead. Sarri’s team will be roundly encouraged – they remain on course for Baku.
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