Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Olivier Giroud scored his first Chelsea goal in 794 minutes as the Blues progressed to the Europa League knockout stages with a 1-0 win at BATE Borisov.
Chelsea's fourth win from as many Group L games - three of them now 1-0 - was played out in freezing fog and memorable only for France World Cup winner Giroud's first Blues goal since May's win over Liverpool.
BATE, comfortably beaten last month in London, struck the woodwork three times and Eden Hazard's services were required for longer than anticipated in Belarus.
Follow the action below:
When is it?
BATE Borisov vs Chelsea begins at 17:55 GMT at the Borisov Arena.
Where can I watch it?
BT Sport will be showing live coverage from 17:15 BT Sport 2 and online on the BT Sport app.
Odds
BATE Borisov to win: 10/1
Chelsea to win: 2/7
Draw: 5/1
Prediction
BATE Borisov 0-1 Chelsea
70 mins: BATE 0-1 Chelsea
Some half-hearted appeals for a penalty from the Chelsea players. Jorginho lifts the ball towards Willian. The BATE defender gets there first but plays the ball onto himself. The referee waves play on.
72 mins: BATE 0-1 Chelsea
Chelsea are controlling possession again now but aren't often managing to work their way through the BATE defence.
73 mins: BATE 0-1 Chelsea
First change for BATE as Tuominen replaces Signevich. The Finland striker made a positive impact off the bench at Stamford Bridge a couple of weeks ago.
75 mins: BATE 0-1 Chelsea
A couple of opportunities in succession for Chelsea as Barkley fails to get on the end of a dangerous cross by Willian, before Jorginho fires over from long range.
76 mins: BATE 0-1 Chelsea
Another change for BATE as Moukam comes on for Skavysh.
79 mins: BATE 0-1 Chelsea
Moukam, who is making his European debut tonight, looks to have come on to play on the right-hand side for BATE. Can he help the Belarusian champions to find an equaliser here?
81 mins: BATE 0-1 Chelsea
Final change for BATE as Hleb is withdrawn for Berezkin.
A big goal for Giroud
Giroud's celebration wasn't too dissimilar to this, to be fair. His header tonight ended a six-month wait for a club goal.
85 mins: BATE 0-1 Chelsea
Chelsea are pressing for a second. Pedro sees his shot blocked on the edge of the box after good play between him and Giroud.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments