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As it happenedended

PAOK vs Chelsea – as it happened: Willian strike gets Blues off to winning start

Re-live the action from the Group L match in Thessaloniki

Michael Jones
Thursday 20 September 2018 11:56 BST
Comments
PAOK v Chelsea: Europa League match preview

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Chelsea head to Greece's second city to face PAOK without Eden Hazard after Maurizio Sarri granted the in-form Belgian a rest.

Hazard has been in scintillating form for the Blues at the start of the Premier League campaign but told his manager he was tired and needed a break. David Luiz has also been excused from the trip.

PAOK finished second in the Greek last season, behind AEK Athens, and venture into the Europa League for the seventh time. They have never made it beyond the last 32 but boast a unbeaten record against English clubs from four games, with a win and a draw against Arsenal (in 1997-98) and Tottenham Hotspur (in 2011-12).

Follow the match below with our live blog:



What time does it start?

The match kicks off at 5.55pm BST.

Where can I watch it?

The game will be televised live on BT Sport.

What are the odds?

Chelsea win 4/7

Draw 3/1

PAOK win 11/2

31 mins: PAOK 0 - 1 Chelsea

Great stuff from Alonso, he uses his strength against Jaba allowing the ball to go out of play. The Brazilian striker takes his frustration out on the linesman but PAOK are still struggling to get  any momentum in this game

Michael Jones20 September 2018 18:28

36 mins: PAOK 0 - 1 Chelsea

This game reminds me a lot of playing FIFA, I'm PAOK defending like crazy as my opponent keeps hold of the ball and moves it around at will. Chelsea win a corner and Paschalakis makes a fool of himself again against the high ball but thankfully for him it goes out of play.

Michael Jones20 September 2018 18:33

39 mins: PAOK 0 - 1 Chelsea

Oh Pedro! Alonso clears the ball after PAOK eventually get it close to Chelsea's area, the visitors break away on the counter and Alonso feeds a beautiful ball into Pedro who's one on one chance against the goalkeeper is saved. The resulting corner comes to Morata who heads it wide. 

Michael Jones20 September 2018 18:35

41 mins: PAOK 0 - 1 Chelsea

PAOK have their best period of play so far, they get the ball to Jaba after breaking away before Alonso makes a foul. The free kick is taken but Chelsea now have men behind the ball and they force Jaba to hit it out of play. 

Michael Jones20 September 2018 18:38

44 mins: PAOK 0 - 1 Chelsea

Alonso makes another foul on Jaba, the crowd start to get on his back and PAOK try to create a space. They win a free kick to the left of Chelsea's box, it comes in and Arrizabalaga claims it.

Michael Jones20 September 2018 18:41

PAOK 0 - 1 Chelsea

A good start for Chelsea who look in complete control of the match. PAOK are trying hard but they can't get hold of the ball. If things continue in this way there'll be more goals to come. 

Michael Jones20 September 2018 18:55

SECOND HALF: PAOK 0 - 1 Chelsea

PAOK restart the action and win a free kick in their on half, Chelsea press them high up the pitch and win the ball back

Michael Jones20 September 2018 18:58

49 mins : PAOK 0 - 1 Chelsea

Barkley links with Pedro to get into PAOK's area, he flicks the return pass into the path of Willian who takes a shot first time but Paschalakis saves it easily.

Michael Jones20 September 2018 19:00

52 mins: PAOK 0 - 1 Chelsea

Pedro tussles with Tosca as he tries to get the ball into the box, Tosca holds firm though and Pedro gives away a free kick, the ball is booted long from the goalkeeper and Chelsea get the ball back.

Michael Jones20 September 2018 19:04

55 mins: PAOK 0 - 1 Chelsea

Alonso runs the ball down the left wing, combined with Pedro before firing a low cross into the box trying to find Barkley, the ball is kicked away but only for a Chelsea throw in. Here they come again

Michael Jones20 September 2018 19:07

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