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

Published

5 months ago

January 22, 2026

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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: PSG Retain Champions League Title After Penalty Shootout Victory Over Arsenal

Published

1 week ago

May 30, 2026

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BREAKING: PSG Retain Champions League Title After Penalty Shootout Victory Over Arsenal—-French champions edge Gunners 4-3 on penalties in Budapest to secure back-to-back European crowns.

Paris Saint-Germain successfully defended their UEFA Champions League title after defeating Arsenal 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in the final at Budapest’s Puskás Aréna. PSG became only the second club in the modern Champions League era to retain the trophy in successive seasons.

Arsenal made the perfect start to the final when Kai Havertz fired the Premier League champions into an early lead in the sixth minute, giving Mikel Arteta’s side hope of winning the club’s first-ever Champions League title.

The holders responded in the second half, with Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé converting a penalty in the 65th minute after a foul on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, bringing PSG level and setting up a tense finish.

Neither side could find a winner during the remainder of normal time or extra time, forcing the final into a dramatic penalty shootout. PSG held their nerve from the spot, while Arsenal defender Gabriel missed the decisive penalty, blasting his effort over the crossbar.

The victory caps another remarkable European campaign for Luis Enrique’s side, who reached the final after eliminating FC Bayern Munich in the semi-finals and entered the showpiece as defending champions.

For Arsenal, the defeat is a heartbreaking end to an otherwise historic season. Arteta’s men arrived in Budapest having won their first Premier League title in 22 years and reached their first Champions League final since 2006, but they fell just short of completing a memorable double.

PSG’s triumph further cements their place among Europe’s elite, while Arsenal will be left to reflect on a campaign that brought domestic glory but ended in European heartbreak.

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BREAKING: Liverpool Sacked Arne Slot With Immediate Effect After 2-Years at Anfield

Published

1 week ago

May 30, 2026

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BREAKING: Liverpool Sacked Arne Slot With Immediate Effect After 2-Years at Anfield—-Dutch manager leaves despite Premier League success as Reds begin search for new direction.

Liverpool FC have reportedly parted ways with manager Arne Slot after two seasons in charge at Anfield. Reports on Friday indicated that the club decided to make a managerial change following an internal review of a disappointing 2025/26 campaign.

Slot’s departure comes just a year after he guided Liverpool to the Premier League title in his debut season, becoming the first Dutch manager to win England’s top flight.

However, Liverpool endured a difficult title defence campaign, finishing outside the title race and facing criticism over inconsistent performances throughout the season. Reports suggest the club’s hierarchy concluded that a fresh direction was needed ahead of the new campaign.

The Dutch coach leaves Anfield with mixed memories — delivering the club’s 20th league title but struggling to maintain momentum during his second season.

Several reports have linked former AFC Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola as a leading candidate to replace Slot, although Liverpool are yet to officially announce a successor.

Slot, who arrived in 2024 following the departure of legendary manager Jürgen Klopp, oversaw 113 matches during his tenure and leaves having secured one Premier League title and a place in Liverpool’s recent history.

Tributes from supporters have already begun appearing online, with many thanking the Dutchman for delivering league glory during his time on Merseyside.

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