Chelsea FC grabbed a 4-0 victory to put them in pole position to top their UEFA Champions League group.
The Blues entered their Champions League match against Maccabi Tel-Aviv buoyed from their win last weekend against Norwich City. Pending the outcome of the game, and the Porto vs. Dynamo Kyiv fixture, Chelsea could clinch qualification tonight, or would have to wait until the last match day to know their fate.
Jose Mourinho changed the team up from the weekend, with Baba Rahman and Cesar Azpilicueta manning the left and right fullback positions.
Looking to take advantage of the home crowd, Maccabi began the game with an early onslaught, hoping to catch the Chelsea players napping early.
The visitors would thwart any attack though, and begin to take control around the 15 minute mark. It was always likely the Blues would dominate the game, and they began to do just that with their possession play.
Chelsea would break the deadlock in the 20th minute through Gary Cahill. The center half connected on a corner, but his header was saved well by Predrag Rajkovic. The Englishman was first to react though, and was able to blast the ball into the back of the net.
Things would go from bad to worse in the 40th minute for the hosts, as Tal Ben Haim would be sent off for a vicious challenge on Cesc Fabregas. Maccabi were now down a goal and a center half.
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The score would remain unchanged as the halftime whistle blew, and it didn’t seem likely the hosts would be able to find a way into the game. Conceding early wasn’t all too bad, but losing a defender as well would probably be too much to overcome.
Chelsea were almost caught out early in the second half, when a defensive lapse from Eden Hazard allowed Eli Dasa to get behind the defense and test Asmir Begovic. Fortunately for Chelsea fans, the keeper was able to defend his near post well, and keep the shot out.
The game came to life in the 60th minute, when both teams had good efforts saved. First Eden Hazard had his shot sent back by Rajkovic, as did Azpilicueta just seconds later.
Maccabi would catch Chelsea on the counter, with Eran Zahavi testing Begovic with his far post effort, but the keeper was equal to the task.
In the 73rd minute, Chelsea would double their lead, and essentially seal the three points. Willian would score again from another excellent free kick, leaving the keeper flat footed.
It would be three for the visitors just minutes later. Baba Rahman sent in a ball, which Oscar easily headed into the back of the net.
The Blues continued to pile the pressure on, with Kurt Zouma adding a fourth goal. The substitute came on for John Terry, and made his mark by heading in a corner in stoppage time.
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The goals would be crucial, as the Blues were able to add four to their group goal differential. With Porto visiting Stamford Bridge in a few weeks time, Chelsea would only need a draw to finish top of the table.
Mourinho’s men will now turn their focus to this Sunday’s London Derby against Tottenham.