Chelsea top group with win over Porto in Champions League

Chelsea, who are 13/10 with Coral to beat Leicester next time out, then piled on the pressure and when Costa linked up with Oscar following an interchange reminiscent of last season, the latter’s reverse strike rooted Casillas to the spot only to trickle narrowly wide.

With Willian pulling the strings and pockets of space appearing time and again Chelsea looked likely to add a second before the interval, though Costa could only fire wide in his best chance since the goal.

Where there’s a Will there’s a way

Although Porto upped the ante in the second half, it left them susceptible to counter-attacks as Chelsea attempted to make the most of Hazard and Willian’s pace.

While Yacine Brahimi was attempting to orchestrate efforts for the visitors, curling a shot just wide of Thibaut Courtois’ goal, the Blues relished the chance to strike on the break.

As Costa fed the ball into Willian at the end of one move, the attacker was unlucky to strike straight at Casillas as he attempted to find the far corner. Moments later he found himself in an identical position and instead drilled it low into the bottom corner of the net at the near post to double the home side’s advantage.

While Porto rolled the dice, it left them even more exposed at the back and Hazard could have made it three late on and was unlucky to hit the post, moments after Costa’s heavy touch denied him an opportunity to do the same.

A much-needed win for Chelsea and Jose Mourinho, who progress into the last 16 as group winners, while the Dragons lacked fire.

Related

Check out our Champions League archive.