Chelsea survived a lacklustre performance to climb into the top eight of the Champions League with a 1-0 win over Pafos
The Blues were poor for much of the 90 minutes at Stamford Bridge, however Moises Caicedo popped up in the penalty area to head home late in the second half.
Liam Rosenior named a strong side to take on the Cypriots, while club legend David Luiz was only fit enough to make the bench for their opponents.
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Chelsea improved greatly off the back of some of their substitutions, with Estevao Willian sparking the attack into life.
Chelsea FC v Pafos FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD7
Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
The performance will require mass improvement going forward, but The Chelsea Chronicle have handed out player ratings from the narrow Champions League victory.
Chelsea player ratings vs Pafos in Champions League
Filip Jorgensen: 6/10
Showed great composure on a number of occasions when under pressure, but wasn’t forced into making any saves before being replaced at half-time due to injury.
Malo Gusto: 5/10
Looked far better when given the opportunity to overlap down the right, and put in a few decent crosses which didn’t result in much joy.
Wesley Fofana: 6/10
As per the nature of the game, Wesley Fofana had very little to do at the back as Chelsea dominated proceedings. His night consisted of a lot of sideways passing.
Benoit Badiashile: 6/10
Benoit Badiashile had a similar evening to his compatriot at the back, although had a great chance to score himself when he headed wide in the first half.
Jorrel Hato: 6/10
Had arguably Chelsea’s best chance of the first half when he was played through on goal, but couldn’t deliver the finish.
Elsewhere, Jorrel Hato had very few problems to deal with in the defensive third.
Reece James: 6/10
Replaced at half-time, although not due to his performance. Reece James was one of the only players keeping the ball moving at speed for Chelsea in the first half.
Moises Caicedo: 8/10
Saw a few fierce efforts well saved by the Pafos goalkeeper, before finally seeing his header breach their opponents with less than 15 minutes to go. Caicedo saves Chelsea again.
Enzo Fernandez: 7/10
Enzo Fernandez was one of the key instigators of anything good Chelsea did early on, and was unlucky to see a goal ruled out for a soft foul.
Chelsea FC v Pafos FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD7
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Pedro Neto: 3/10
Had so many opportunities to take on his man on the right-wing, but struggled to create anything of substance for Chelsea in attack.
Alejandro Garnacho: 4/10
Looked more dangerous than Neto on the opposite side, but Alejandro Garnacho is struggling to shake the feeling that he is far better coming on off the bench.
Liam Delap: 4/10
Suffered from being marked by three different centre-backs as Chelsea knocked the ball about in the final third, not allowing him any genuine opportunity at goal.
Robert Sanchez: 6/10
Had absolutely nothing to do, and instead watched as Chelsea pushed for a goal.
Estevao Willian: 8/10
Instantly got the lifeless Stamford Bridge off their seats with his mere presence on the pitch. Should have been handed a start by Rosenior.
Marc Cucurella: 5/10
Injected a bit of life into a Chelsea side which desperately needed a lift in the second half.
Jamie Gittens: 6/10
A bright cameo from Jamie Gittens, marred slightly by a soft yellow card being given straight after his introduction.
Joao Pedro: 4/10
Wasn’t able to make any real impact on proceedings.
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