(Football news) Chelsea displayed a much improved performance in the UEFA Champions League, defeating reigning Serie A champions AC Milan 3-0 at Stamford Bridge. The result means that the Blues are now just a point behind Group E leaders RB Salzburg and will take on AC Milan once again in the return fixture at the San Siro next Tuesday. Graham Potter made two changes from the team that defeated Crystal Palace with Kalidou Koulibaly and Ruben Loftus-Cheek replacing Kai Havertz and Jorginho with the manager reverting to a back three. As for AC Milan, the Italian club made three changes with Sergino Dest, Pierre Kalulu and Rade Krunic coming in for Davide Calabria, Simon Kjaer and Alexis Saelemaekers.

Wesley Fofana opened the scoring in what was his first goal since his £70m switch from Leicester in the 24th minute and the Blues had the game done and dusted by the 56th minute when Pierre Emerick Aubameyang doubled the advantage. Reece James then scored the third in the 61st minute to secure the much needed points for Chelsea who will now be optimistic of progressing into the knockout round. However, there is concern for the Blues as Fofana was forced off injured shortly after his goal and was seen leaving the stadium on crutches. 

Speaking after the match, Chelsea manager Graham Potter praised Reece James by saying “I think Reece is just a fantastic player and he's a young player, so he's developing all the time. He'll get better and better as we go. I've really enjoyed working with him – he's got a lot to offer. He can play any game in the world, he's just tremendous. My job is to try to help him reach his potential because his potential is beyond the sky. We love him. He's so important for us. He could be a Chelsea legend – that's the potential he has." When asked about the severity of Fofana’s injury, Potter replied “We don't know yet. That's the one disappointing thing about the evening. We need to scan tomorrow and fingers crossed. I wouldn't want to speculate on it now but we're concerned. He's a young guy, he's a strong guy and we'll help him and support him. We're hoping for the best." 

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