Chelsea vs Zenit LIVE: Champions League result, final score and reaction tonight
Relive all the action as the Blues began the defence of their European crown
Romelu Lukaku’s pinpoint header rescued Chelsea’s first match as Champions League holders in a 1-0 win over Zenit St Petersburg.
Belgium hitman Lukaku bagged his third goal in two games and his fourth for Chelsea since his £98million switch from Inter Milan.
The 28-year-old converted captain Cesar Azpilicueta’s hanging far-post cross with a header of stunning accuracy, and that after shrugging aside three touch-tight Zenit defenders.
Chelsea laboured past a resolute and regimented Zenit, for much of the match running the risk of limping to a dispiriting draw.
But then Lukaku rose up, highest of all, to nod home and turn the night entirely. Relive all the action below:
Romelu Lukaku ensures Chelsea of winning start to Champions League defence
This isn’t why Chelsea are European champions, but it is why they signed Romelu Lukaku.
The striker was again the difference, this 1-0 win over a resilient Zenit St Petersburg ensuring their title defence began with some flourish and celebration rather than an underwhelming draw.
Romelu Lukaku ensures Chelsea of winning start to Champions League defence
Chelsea 1-0 Zenit: Thomas Tuchel’s side were not at their best but secured all three points
Chelsea vs Zenit result: Player ratings as Romelu Lukaku scores Champions League winner
Chelsea began the defence of their Champions League crown with a 1-0 victory against Zenit at Stamford Bridge.
Thomas Tuchel’s side were not at their fluent best and struggled to break down Zenit’s deep and resolute defence in a dour first half.
But despite struggling to create many clear openings, Chelsea’s pressure eventually told with Romelu Lukaku rising highest to meet Cesar Azpilicueta’s cross and ensure his side of a perfect start in Group H.
Player ratings as Chelsea defeat Zenit
Thomas Tuchel’s side secured all three points despite not being at their best
Lukaku leads Chelsea to win over Zenit
Romelu Lukaku was on the scoresheet yet again for Chelsea as the Blues snuck through a difficult contest with Zenit St Petersburg to win 1-0 at Stamford Bridge.
Lukaku continues his great form that has made him one of Europe’s leading goalscorers.
Full-time: Chelsea 1 - 0 Zenit St Petersburg
90+4 mins: It was a tough night for Chelsea. Zenit were solid, they were well drilled and they were tough to break down. It took a great from Azpilicueta to find Lukaku in the box and the big man continued his fine form and found the back of the net. They marshalled the closing minutes well and take all three points.
The European champions kick off their 2021 Champions League campaign with a win.
Chelsea 1 - 0 Zenit St Petersburg
90+2 mins: Chelsea are seeing out the game well. Keeping hold of the ball and not allowing Zenit into their own half. Mason Mount is taken off and Ruben Loftus-Cheek gets a run out.
Chelsea 1 - 0 Zenit St Petersburg
90 mins: Chelsea lead by one goal to nil as we head into added time at Stamford Bridge. Four minutes of it. Young Boys scored late against Manchester United earlier, can Zenit do the same against Chelsea?
Chelsea 1 - 0 Zenit St Petersburg
87 mins: Late changes for Zenit St Petersburg. Andrey Mostovoy and Daniil Krugovoy replace Claudinho and Yaroslav Rakits’kyy.
Chelsea 1 - 0 Zenit St Petersburg
84 mins: Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso are taken off by Thomas Tuchel who Thiago Silva and Ben Chilwell brought on. Mendy needed a breather after that collision with Dzyuba but he’s okay to play on.
Chelsea 1 - 0 Zenit St Petersburg
81 mins: Chance! Zenit almost equalise! Erokhin knocks the ball into the box as Azmoun breaks in behind the Chelsea back line. The striker hits a low pass into the six-yard box and Dzyuba gets a toe to the pass. Mendy closes him down and they collide but not until the ball rolls wide of the post.
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