Chelsea 1–0 Pafos: Caicedo’s Late Header Keeps Blues on Course for Last-16 Spot
Chelsea left it late on a tense Champions League night at Stamford Bridge, but Moisés Caicedo’s 78th-minute header finally broke stubborn Pafos resistance to secure a crucial 1–0 victory.
The win lifts Chelsea into the top eight of the Champions League league-phase table, strengthening their push for automatic qualification to the last 16 ahead of the final matchday.
For new head coach Liam Rosenior, it marked a first Champions League win in charge — though this Chelsea vs Pafos encounter was far from straightforward, with the visitors frustrating the hosts for long periods before being undone by a set piece.
First Half: Possession Without Penetration
The pattern of Chelsea vs Pafos was established early: Chelsea dominated the ball, Pafos defended deep.
Chelsea lined up in a 4-2-3-1, with Caicedo and Enzo Fernández anchoring midfield and an attacking trio of Alejandro Garnacho, Pedro Neto and Reece James supporting Liam Delap up front.
Pafos, however, were disciplined and compact, funnelling play wide and clearing their lines efficiently. Goalkeeper Jay Gorter was quickly into the action:
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Neto and Garnacho both forced saves
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Delap saw shots blocked in crowded penalty areas
Despite long spells of possession, Chelsea struggled to create clear chances. Over-hit crosses and misplaced final passes drew frustration from the home crowd, while Pafos looked increasingly comfortable in their low block.
At half-time, Chelsea vs Pafos remained goalless, with the underdogs arguably the happier side.
Second Half: Pressure Builds, Caicedo Delivers
The second half followed a similar script, but Chelsea gradually increased the tempo.
Rosenior responded by:
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Pushing full-backs higher
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Encouraging Enzo Fernández to play riskier forward passes
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Introducing Andrey Santos, Marc Guiu and Tyrique George for fresh attacking energy
Pafos continued to resist, with Gorter producing more saves and bodies thrown in front of shots. But the breakthrough finally came from a set piece in the 78th minute.
The Decisive Moment
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Pedro Neto whipped in a corner from the right
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Benoît Badiashile flicked the ball across the six-yard box
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Moisés Caicedo, arriving unmarked, nodded home from close range
Relief swept around Stamford Bridge as Chelsea finally took the lead.
Pafos pushed men forward late on, but Chelsea managed the closing stages professionally, keeping possession and running down the clock to seal a vital win.
Key Stats and Champions League Picture
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Final Score: Chelsea 1–0 Pafos
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Goal: Caicedo (78’)
League-Phase Records
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Chelsea: 4W, 1D, 2L — 13 points, +6 GD (8th)
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Pafos: 1W, 3D, 3L — 6 points, –6 GD
Chelsea now sit in a tightly packed group on 13 points alongside PSG, Barcelona, Manchester City, Atlético Madrid, Sporting, Newcastle and Atalanta. With only one matchday remaining:
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Top eight = direct passage to the last 16
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9th–24th = two-legged playoff
Goal difference and head-to-head results could prove decisive.
Talking Points from Chelsea vs Pafos
Caicedo the Match-Winner
Typically known for his defensive work, Caicedo delivered the decisive attacking moment, underlining his growing all-round influence.
Rosenior’s First UCL Win
Chelsea’s new boss got the result he needed, though the performance highlighted ongoing issues breaking down deep-defending sides.
Pafos Impress in Defeat
The Cypriot visitors defended with discipline, received an outstanding display from Jay Gorter, and showed they belong at this level despite the loss.
Final Word
Chelsea vs Pafos may not have been fluent, but it was effective. Caicedo’s late header secured a priceless Champions League win and kept Chelsea firmly in the hunt for automatic qualification — exactly the kind of result that could define their European campaign.