Chelsea maintained their push for a direct spot in the Champions League Round of 16 with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Cypriot side Pafos FC at Stamford Bridge. A late header from Moisés Caicedo proved decisive on a night where the Blues dominated possession but struggled to break down a resilient defense.
Caicedo Breaks the Deadlock After Frustrating Night
Despite the gap in quality on paper, Enzo Maresca’s side found it difficult to beat an inspired Jay Gorter in the Pafos goal. Chelsea thought they had taken the lead early on through Enzo Fernández, but the goal was ruled out following a VAR review for a foul in the build-up.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 76th minute. Following the introduction of Brazilian starlet Estêvão, Chelsea’s attack found a new gear. Pedro Neto’s cross was flicked on by Wesley Fofana, allowing Moisés Caicedo to ghost into the box and head home the winner.
The Race for the Top 8: Chelsea in a Nine-Way Tie
The victory moves Chelsea to 13 points, keeping them in the prestigious 8th position the final spot for automatic qualification to the knockout stages. However, the race is historically tight.
The Blues are currently tied on points with eight other European giants, including Manchester City, Barcelona, PSG, and Newcastle. With only one round remaining in the league phase, Chelsea will likely need a victory in their final match to avoid the grueling two-legged playoff round.
Victory at home. 👊#CFC | #UCL pic.twitter.com/UJgEB8aIgu
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 21, 2026
Emotional Reunion with David Luiz
The night was also marked by a special moment at Stamford Bridge as fans welcomed back former Blues defender David Luiz, who now leads the Pafos backline. The veteran Brazilian put in a solid performance, but it wasn’t enough to stop Chelsea from securing all three points.
Wilson Gaspar is a football analyst covering the UEFA Champions League, focusing on match previews, tactical reviews, and the performance of Europe’s top clubs throughout the competition.
