Chelsea Defeat RB Salzburg, 2-1, to Reach Champions League Knockout Stages

Graham Potter remains undefeated as the Chelsea manager as the Blues took down FC Red Bull Salzburg, 2-1, Tuesday to reach the knockout stages of the tournament. Chelsea, with one group stage match remaining against Dinamo Zagreb, are clear atop the table in Group E.

Chelsea have 10 points through five group stage matches, with AC Milan at 7 and Salzburg at 6. Zagreb are bottom of the table with just four points.

Chelsea struck first with Mateo Kovacic 23rd minute goal to go up 1-0. Salzburg made it one goal apiece soon after the break thanks fo Chukwubuike Adamu’s 48th minute goal. Kai Havertz’s 64th minute goal made the difference in a 2-1 result.

“We attacked well, created some chances,” Potter said. “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.”

Potter made four changes to his lineup heading into Tuesday’s matchup. Christian Pulisic, Conor Gallagher, Mateo Kovacic and Kai Havertz replaced the likes of Cesar Azpilicueta, Ben Chilwell, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Mason Mount.

Chelsea dominated the possession battle 71-29, with Salzburg winning three times as many corners. Salzburg finished with 7 shots on target, compared to 11 for Chelsea.

Salzburg’s Philipp Kohn won the man of match honors thanks to some remarkable goalkeeping to keep the match within reach.

“Fantastic performance from the players,” Potter summed up. “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.”

Chelsea put an end to a 40-game unbeaten run at home for Salzburg.

“Of course it’s a pity our run [of unbeaten home games] has come to an end,” Salzburg manager Matthias Jaissle said. “But you also have to recognize we played against an incredibly strong team that caused us many problems with their quality.”

Salzburg will face Hartberg this weekend, Saturday 29 October before next week’s Champions League group stage match against AC Milan.

Chelsea are back in action this weekend against Brighton in the Premier League before their final Champions League group stage match against Dinamo Zagreb next week on Wednesday, 2 November.