A resolute performance by Chelsea at Ajax's Johan Cruyff Arena was met with a befitting finish as the Blues scored late to snatch an unlikely win in Wednesday's UEFA Champions League tie. Substitutes Christian Pulisic and Michy Batshuayi were responsible for the goal which has fired Frank Lampard's side to the second position in Group H.
Going into the mid-week's clash, expectations were high for the Stamford Bridge outfit who has now won seven games in a row across all competitions. Over the weekend, the side secured a 1-0 win at home to Newcastle and were poised to repeat the feat against an Ajax team that had won its first two games in Europe.
The test was always going to be challenging as the Amsterdam club failed to find their way around the defense of the visitors. However, a breakthrough later came via Quincy Promes but the Dutch winger had his goal controversially ruled out for offside.
Inside the 86th-minute, Chelsea was given the upper-hand after Christian Pulisic - who replaced Willian in the 66th minute, teed up with Tammy Abraham's replacement Michy Batshuayi to score the game's only goal. Watch:
MICHY TO THE RESCUE
— SuperSport (@SuperSportTV) October 23, 2019
An 86th-minute goal from Michy Batshuayi has handed Chelsea the three-points as they secure win number 2 in the @ChampionsLeague. pic.twitter.com/u0by5jQwaM
And here is how fans reacted to the performance of the pair:
Chelsea win by a single goal. That's some victory and a brilliant performance. Fantastic impact from Pulisic and Batshuayi.
— Matt Law (@Matt_Law_DT) October 23, 2019
FT: Kampus Amsterdam 0-1 Kampus Stamford
— Chelsea Indonesia Supporters Club (@chelseaindo) October 23, 2019
- Kepa clean sheet
- Pulisic assist
- Batshuayi scores
- 3 points
Batman × Captain America =
Love you, @mbatshuayi @cpulisic_10. #LigaMahasiswa #UCL
Pulisic and Batshuayi is fire....
— Oga Web Designer (@isipvodka) October 23, 2019
The connection is mad.
I am so happy right now.
Drop your network I am crediting 5 people.
Retweet and follow so I can DM you.
The Super Sub Dortmund combo Pulisic - Batshuayi.
— Kristof Terreur (@HLNinEngeland) October 23, 2019
Christian Pulisic beats his #USMNT teammate Sergino Dest and puts it on a plate for Michy Batshuayi to score the winner for Chelsea at #Ajax.
— Joe Prince-Wright (@JPW_NBCSports) October 23, 2019
HUGEEEE momentsfor the American winger. Pulisic made a massive difference for #CFC off the bench. pic.twitter.com/sTZE8C8nHZ
Chelsea one up. Batshuayi from Pulisic cross. Pulisic has done really well since coming on
— Matt Law (@Matt_Law_DT) October 23, 2019