Chelsea, defending champions in the Champions League, signed a new victory over Malmö, this time 1-0 in Sweden, on matchday 4 of group H, where the English team is close to qualifying for the round of 16 .
Netherlands-born Moroccan international Hakim Ziyech scored the Londoners’ winning goal at Eleda Stadion in the 56th minute.
The ‘Blues’ had already beaten Malmö two weeks ago at their Stamford Bridge stadium, then by a wide 4-0.
In the group standings, Chelsea have 9 points, with a balance of three wins and one loss, suffered on the second day against Juventus.
The Italian team also has 9 points, before their game on Tuesday, at home against Russian Zenit (3rd, 3 points).
Malmö remains at bottom still without scoring and sees their reduced chances of reaching the round of 16 disappear.
In this Wednesday’s game, Chelsea dominated (66% possession in the game), although with problems to express their superiority at times.
One of the most dangerous in the first half was starred at 17 by Ruben Loftus-Creek, with a header from Ziyech that went wide, near the post defended by local goalkeeper Johan Dahlin.
In the second half, the Swedish wall was brought down when Callum Hudson-Odoi delivered a death pass for Ziyech to push the Swedish net at will at 56.
The German Kai Havertz (79) and the American Christian Pulisic (90 + 1), back after an injury, had good chances to extend the account, but without aim.
Chelsea continues like this with its great moment. In the Premier League they are the leader of the classification and last week they managed to qualify for the quarter-finals of the English League Cup.
On the fifth day, the current European champions will host Juventus in a key duel for the lead, while Malmö will play at home against Zenit to rush their chances of being third and being able to be re-fisted for the Europa League. AFP (HN)