(Football news) Chelsea progressed to the knockout stage of the Champions League with a game to spare after defeating RB Salzburg 2-1 at the Red Bull Arena. The result meant that Graham Potter’s side are now unbeaten in his first nine matches in charge and can now rest players ahead of their final Group Stage game against Dinamo Zagreb next week. While the Blues only scored twice against Salzburg, the scoreline could have been much more if they weren’t wasteful in front of goal. Aubameyang and Havertz failed to convert opportunities while Salzburg goalkeeper Philipp Kohn managed some fantastic saves, resulting in a more respectable scoreline.

Despite his early miss, Havertz scored the match winner, sweeping home from a brilliant opportunity from the edge of the box and was arguably even better than Mateo Kovacic’s opening goal in the first half. As for Red Bull Salzburg, Junior Adamu scored the equalizer just before halftime to cancel Chelsea’s lead. Graham Potter made four changes to his team with Christian Pulisic, Conor Gallagher, Mateo Kovacic and Kai Havertz replacing Cesar Azpilicueta, Ben Chilwell, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Mason Mount. As for the hosts, Luka Sucic and Amar Dedic replaced Oumar Solet and Lawrence Agyekum in the starting lineup. 

Speaking after the match, Chelsea manager Graham Potter said “Fantastic performance from the players. They showed real courage here because of the atmosphere, the way they are so intense, put you under a lot of pressure but I thought we controlled it quite well. We attacked well, created some chances. A bit disappointed to only be 1-0 at half-time. One mistake or action from them, which can happen at this level, but we responded really well. Great goal from Kai and overall we deserved to go through. It was hard work but it's going to be at this level. I'm delighted for the players. We got Raheem into good areas and Christian as well and the fact they have to defend as a back-four, quite wide, there are big spaces which allows Conor (Gallagher) and Kai to get in." 

Also read: Manchester City top Champions League group despite goalless draw