Chelsea seized command of their Champions League last-16 encounter against Lille with a resounding win at Stamford Bridge

            After eight minutes, Kai Havertz headed in Hakim Ziyech’s corner, and Christian Pulisic was the recipient of a wonderful run and ball from N’Golo Kante in the 63rd minute to give the Blues a critical first-leg advantage.

Romelu Lukaku, who was out of sorts, was simply a substitute, with Havertz the major offensive danger – with the German almost scored twice before his early strike.

The only setbacks for Chelsea and manager Thomas Tuchel on a positive night were injuries to Ziyech and midfielder Mateo Kovacic ahead of Sunday’s EFL Cup final against Liverpool at Wembley.

“I should have substituted Mateo at halftime”, Tuchel said to BT Sport. “I haven’t talked to the doctor about Hakim, and I’m hoping it’s nothing major. Today is Tuesday, and there are still a lot of days till Sunday to heal. I’m hoping they’ll be ready for Sunday”.