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Moises Caicedo Lone Goal Helps Chelsea Defeat Stubborn Pafos On Liam Rosenior UCL debut

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Moises Caicedo Lone Goal Helps Chelsea Defeat Stubborn Pafos On Liam Rosenior UCL debut—-Moises Caicedo’s late goal gave Chelsea a vital 1-0 win against Cypriot minnows Pafos on Wednesday as the Blues moved closer to automatic qualification for the Champions League last 16.

Chelsea’s fourth victory from seven Champions League group stage matches lifted them into eighth place.

Chelsea’s Dutch defender #21 Jorrel Hato focuses on the ball whilst under pressure from Pafos FC’s Brazilian midfielder #11 Jaja during the UEFA Champions League league-phase football match between Chelsea and Pafos at Stamford Bridge in London on January 21, 2026. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP)

A win at Napoli in their final group game on January 28 would likely be enough to send Chelsea through to the last 16, depending on other results.

The Blues would face the unwanted stress of a play-off round if they finish outside the top eight.

Rosenior has won three times and lost once in his first four games since arriving from Strasbourg to replace Enzo Maresca, who left Stamford Bridge after mounting tensions with the club’s hierarchy.

It was far from plain sailing for Rosenior as Chelsea struggled to find a way past inspired Pafos keeper Jay Gorter before Caicedo made the breakthrough.

Chelsea’s Ecuadorian midfielder #25 Moises Caicedo celebrates scoring the team’s first goal during the UEFA Champions League league-phase football match between Chelsea and Pafos at Stamford Bridge in London on January 21, 2026. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP)

Optimistic Chelsea fans have noted their two Champions League triumphs in 2012 and 2021 came after they changed manager in mid-season.

But there is a long way to go before Rosenior can hope to emulate those iconic victories masterminded by Roberto Di Matteo and Thomas Tuchel.

Chelsea have been steady rather than eye-catching so far under Rosenior, with far sterner tests lying in wait in the surprise choice to replace Maresca.

Wake-up call

Rosenior made six changes from the 2-0 win over Brentford on Saturday, with injured England forward Cole Palmer absent due to a slight strain.

Brazilian veteran David Luiz, a 2012 Champions League winner with Chelsea, was on the bench for Pafos, who were far from overawed in their first ever match against English opposition.

Chelsea laboured for long periods and even when Enzo Fernandez had the ball in the net in the 18th minute, the midfielder’s close-range header was disallowed for a push.

Chelsea’s Ecuadorian midfielder #25 Moises Caicedo (R) celebrates scoring the team’s first goal during the UEFA Champions League league-phase football match between Chelsea and Pafos at Stamford Bridge in London on January 21, 2026. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP)

Chelsea nearly gifted Pafos a shock opener when a wayward back-pass to Filip Jorgensen was almost intercepted by Anderson Silva, but the Blues keeper chested the ball away from danger.

Rosenior’s men had lost their momentum and Pafos went close when Jaja’s shot from just inside the area took a wicked deflection off Reece James and hit the post with Jorgensen rooted to the spot.

That near-miss served as a wake-up call and Caicedo’s blast was pushed away by Gorter before Benoit Badiashile glanced a header narrowly wide moments later.

Caicedo’s long-range drive forced another good stop from Gorter, who also repelled Jorrel Hato’s fierce strike just before half-time.

Frustration was mounting among Chelsea supporters and Rosenior made a double change at the break, sending on Robert Sanchez for Jorgensen and Estevao Willian for James.

Estevao nearly made an instant impact with a stinging volley that Gorter saved at full stretch.

Gorter was enjoying the game of his life and he denied Pedro Neto and Caicedo with two more fine saves.

To Rosenior’s immense relief, Chelsea finally found a way past Gorter in the 78th minute.

Pafos couldn’t clear a corner and Caicedo arrived to flick his header into the far corner from close range.

AFB

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BREAKING: Cole Palmer Sent Off as Tottenham Beat Chelsea 2-0 at Stamford Bridge

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BREAKING: Cole Palmer Sent Off as Tottenham Beat Chelsea 2-0 at Stamford Bridge—-A Mike Penders own goal and Mathys Tel’s late strike handed Tottenham a memorable London derby victory, while Chelsea finished the contest with 10 men after Cole Palmer’s dismissal.

Tottenham Hotspur secured a memorable 2–0 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, October 24, 2026, as Cole Palmer was sent off in a frustrating afternoon for the Blues.

Roberto De Zerbi’s side broke the deadlock through a second-half own goal by Chelsea goalkeeper Mike Penders before Palmer received a second yellow card. Mathys Tel then produced a superb individual effort to seal the victory and condemn Chelsea to defeat in front of their home supporters.

Tottenham Dominate Despite Goalless First Half

Tottenham began the contest with greater control, enjoying long spells of possession and creating several promising opportunities.

Chelsea goalkeeper Penders was called into action to deny Spurs forward Omar Marmoush, while Tel also threatened as the visitors searched for an opening goal.

Chelsea, meanwhile, struggled to turn their attacking moments into clear-cut chances. Tottenham goalkeeper Antonín Kinský made important saves to keep out efforts from Palmer and Morgan Rogers as the first half ended goalless.

Despite failing to score before the break, Spurs continued to apply pressure after the restart.

Penders Own Goal Gives Spurs the Lead

Tottenham finally broke the deadlock in the 77th minute following a corner delivered by Mateus Fernandes.

Under pressure inside the penalty area, Chelsea goalkeeper Penders attempted to punch the ball clear but inadvertently directed it into his own net, handing Spurs a crucial 1–0 advantage.

The unfortunate mistake left Chelsea chasing the game, but their hopes of mounting a comeback suffered another major setback just minutes later.

Palmer Sent Off After Second Yellow Card

Chelsea’s situation deteriorated in the 80th minute when Palmer was shown a second yellow card and dismissed.

The England international had earlier escaped a straight red card following an incident involving Fernandes. However, his subsequent challenge on Conor Gallagher resulted in another booking, leaving Chelsea with 10 players for the closing stages.

Palmer’s dismissal further complicated Chelsea’s attempt to recover from the deficit, giving Tottenham greater freedom to manage the game.

Mathys Tel Seals Tottenham’s Victory

Tottenham took full advantage of their numerical superiority when Tel scored a brilliant second goal in the 87th minute.

The forward drove towards the Chelsea penalty area, cut inside and fired a low shot into the bottom-left corner, leaving Penders with little chance of making the save.

The strike capped an impressive performance from Spurs, who maintained their advantage to secure all three points and celebrate a rare league victory at Stamford Bridge.

Spurs End Stamford Bridge Wait

The result marked Tottenham’s first Premier League victory at Stamford Bridge since 2018, ending a lengthy wait for success at the home of their London rivals.

The victory also gave De Zerbi’s side consecutive league wins and delivered a significant boost to their campaign.

Chelsea, on the other hand, were left to reflect on a disappointing performance, with Penders’ costly error and Palmer’s dismissal proving decisive in the defeat.

 

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BREAKING: Nico Jackson Nets Brace as Aston Villa End Manchester City’s Perfect Start

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BREAKING: Nico Jackson Nets Brace as Aston Villa End Manchester City’s Perfect Start—-The Senegalese striker scored twice at Villa Park to hand Manchester City their first Premier League defeat of the season, despite Erling Haaland’s second-half equaliser.

Aston Villa brought Manchester City’s perfect start to the Premier League season to an end with a 2–1 victory at Villa Park on Saturday, October 24, as Nicolas Jackson delivered a decisive brace.

City arrived seeking an eighth consecutive league victory, but Jackson struck in each half to secure all three points for Unai Emery’s side and inflict Enzo Maresca’s team with their first league defeat of the campaign.

Jackson Fires Villa in Front

Villa made a fast start and took the lead in the sixth minute after capitalising on a defensive mistake from Manchester City.

John McGinn seized the opportunity to release Jackson, who drove into the penalty area, moved past Elliot Anderson and fired a powerful finish beyond goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

The early goal lifted the home crowd and forced City to chase the game. The visitors responded with increased attacking pressure, but Villa goalkeeper Zion Suzuki produced important saves to keep his side in front.

City also came close through Iliman Ndiaye, whose effort struck the post as the visitors searched for an equaliser.

Haaland Restores Parity

Manchester City’s pressure finally paid off seven minutes after the interval.

Erling Haaland rose to meet a cross from Ndiaye and powered a header into the net in the 52nd minute, bringing City level at 1–1.

The goal appeared to put the visitors in a strong position to continue their winning run, but Villa responded quickly and found another breakthrough before City could take control.

Jackson Completes His Brace

Jackson restored Villa’s advantage in the 60th minute, finishing a swift counterattacking move to put the hosts back in front.

The Senegal international converted Ibrahim Mbaye’s low pass, completing his brace and making it 2–1.

City pushed for another equaliser as the contest entered its closing stages, but Villa remained organised defensively and held on to secure a significant victory.

Villa End City’s Winning Run

The result ended Manchester City’s run of seven consecutive Premier League victories at the start of the season and handed Maresca his first league defeat in charge of the club.

For Villa, the win continued their recovery after a difficult opening to the campaign and rewarded a disciplined performance built around clinical finishing and resilient goalkeeping.

Jackson was the standout performer, with his two goals proving the difference in a contest where City enjoyed periods of pressure but could not find a second equaliser.

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