Caicedo nets late winner as Chelsea overcome Pafos challenge

Moises Caicedos last minute strike secured Chelsea a crucial 1-0 victory over Cypriot underdogs Pafos on Wednesday night propelling the Blues nearer to direct entry into the Champions League knockout phase.

During Liam Roenior's debut Champions League match in charge of Chelsea Caicedo scored in the final moments at Stamford Bridge breaking through Pafos determined defence.

This result marked Chelseas fourth success in seven group stage fixtures boosting them to eighth position.

A triumph against Napoli in their concluding group encounter on January 28 should suffice to advance Chelsea to the last 16 subject to outcomes elsewhere.

Finishing beyond the top eight would mean enduring the strain of a playoff tie for the Blues.

Roenior has secured three wins from his initial four outings after joining from Strasbourg to succeed Enzo Maresca who departed Stamford Bridge amid growing conflicts with the clubs leadership.

The evening proved no easy ride for Roenior as Chelsea found it tough to breach the resolute Pafos goalkeeper Jay Gorter until Caicedos decisive intervention.

Hopeful Chelsea supporters recall their Champions League glories in 2012 and 2021 followed mid season managerial shifts.

Yet a substantial journey remains before Roenior might replicate the legendary campaigns led by Roberto Di Matteo and Thomas Tuchel.

Under Roenior Chelsea have shown consistency without flair with tougher challenges ahead for the unexpected Maresca successor.

Reality check

Roenior introduced six alterations from the 2-0 triumph against Brentford last Saturday with sidelined England attacker Cole Palmer missing due to a minor injury.

Experienced Brazilian David Luiz a 2012 Champions League victor with Chelsea sat on the Pafos bench as the Cypriots displayed no intimidation in their inaugural clash with English foes.

Chelsea toiled across extended spells and although Enzo Fernandez bundled the ball into the goal during the 18th minute his near range effort was ruled out for a foul.

Chelsea almost handed Pafos a stunning lead when a misplaced pass back to Filip Jorgensen was nearly seized by Anderson Silva though the Blues custodian safely controlled it away.

Roeniors side had shed their rhythm and Pafos came perilously close as Jajas effort from inside the box deflected sharply off Reece James striking the upright with Jorgensen immobile.

This close shave acted as an alert and Caicedos powerful shot was parried by Gorter while Benoit Badiashile nodded just past shortly after.

Caicedos effort from distance prompted another solid save from Gorter who also blocked Jorrel Hatos forceful attempt right before the interval.

Irritation grew among Chelsea fans prompting Roenior to make dual substitutions at halftime bringing on Robert Sanchez for Jorgensen and Estevao Willian for James.

Estevao almost influenced proceedings immediately with a fierce volley that Gorter tipped over acrobatically.

Gorter relished his standout performance thwarting Pedro Neto and Caicedo with further excellent stops.

To Roeniors great satisfaction Chelsea at last defeated Gorter in the 78th minute.

Pafos failed to defend a corner allowing Caicedo to arrive and direct his header into the distant corner from point blank range.