TheCable

Olivier Giroud, a French striker, scored the matchwinner as Chelsea secured a 2-1 win over Rennes in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) match played in France on Tuesday night.

In an encounter that ended with drama at both ends, the 34-year-old striker’s header helped Chelsea advance into the round of 16 with two more games to spare in the group stage.

The Blues have now made the knockout stage of the UCL in 16 of their 17 seasons in the premier continental competition.

Chelsea took the lead on 22 minutes through Callum Hodson-Odoi. The 20-year-old England youth international controlled Mason Mount’s raking pass before delivering a measured finish for 1-0.

Rennes improved in the second period as they put the English side under immense pressure. The Blues’ defensive resolve was finally broken four minutes to the end when Serhou Guirassy, Rennes striker, was allowed to direct a header unopposed from a corner kick past Mendy for 1-1.

There was time for more drama as Giroud was on hand to direct a powerful header past the goalkeeper for his 30th Chelsea goal and 2-1 win for Frank Lampard’s men.

In other matches, Manchester United scored four goals to defeat Istanbul Basaksehir 4-1 at Old Trafford. The win places them in pole position to qualify for the knockout phase of the UCL. Bruno Fernandes (brace) and Marcus Rashford (penalty) gave the Red Devils a 3-0 halftime lead before Daniel James made it four in added time.

Barcelona, Juventus and Paris Saint Germain also moved closer to qualification with wins in their respective matches.

RESULTS

• FK Krasnodar 1-2 Sevilla
• Rennes 1-2 Chelsea
• Borussia Dortmund 3-0 Club Bruges
• Lazio 3-1 Zenit St Petersburg
• Dynamo Kyiv 0-4 Barcelona
• Juventus 2-1 Ferencvárosi TC
• Manchester United 4-1 Istanbul Basaksehir
• Paris Saint Germain 1-0 RB Leipzig