A game between two big rivals under the lights at Stamford Bridge set the scene well. There was a sense of trepidation from both teams as Chelsea welcomed their favourite visitors, regardless.
Tottenham entered in mid-table with eyes on next week's Europa League quarter-final first leg against Eintracht Frankfurt whilst Chelsea only needed to go back one game for their last defeat to north London opposition. The table said that Chelsea were fourth entering the round of matches but the feeling was very different.
This was a game between two teams extremely uncertain of themselves. Even in victory there is a continuing culture war and confusion at both clubs. Spurs' season can be saved by Europe, whereas Chelsea's can only be supplemented by expected Conference League victory.
And the game played out with this nervousness at the forefront. Chelsea started quickly and needed to as they sought a reaction. Boosted by the return of Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer with Noni Madueke on the bench. They could have been ahead within a minute but the stadium grew more anxious as the half went on.
Tottenham offered little and could hardly complain when Enzo Fernandez headed in the the opener/eventual winner. A disallowed goal each livened things up again in much more energetic and purposeful second half.
This was a match that was always much more important for Chelsea's league hopes and top five aspirations than for Tottenham, though, and it showed. They had pride, bragging rights, and a shocking record in this fixture to fight for instead.
Ultimately, it was the team which started in fourth that ended on top. That is what logic, history, and the table would have dictated but it is rarely ever that easy.
Here, football.london takes a look at some of the finer moments from the match and incidents that could have been missed on initial viewing.
Spence's great feet
Djed Spence continued his great form and did it on a key side of the pitch. Up against Jadon Sancho, who saw a lot of the ball for Chelsea, he was tasked with shutting down the attacks and forming a partnership with the recently returned Wilson Odobert. It didn't take him long to make an impact.
Jinking between Sancho and Palmer, Spence turned into danger and then out of it in a flash. It was symbolic of his confidence and natural ability, taking on two Chelsea attackers at once with very little room for error. Had he lost the ball, still in his own defensive third, Chelsea would have been in a very good position to advance. Spence didn't look to even see that as a possibility as he shrugged off the pair with strength, using his arms to manipulate his body in a dance between them, and then a glorious piece of footwork.
It was a highlight of Tottenham's match as they were limited to very little going forward. And whilst Spence may have left Sancho in the space to force a brilliant save out of Guglielmo Vicario later on, he did a good job of nullifying the winger despite his many mazy dribble attempts.
Neto gets angry
Having played as a makeshift striker for much of the last two months, Pedro Neto's chance to return to his favoured spot on the wing was one of the many benefits Chelsea had of welcoming back Nicolas Jackson. In recent games the Portuguese attacker has been one of the few bright sparks and here he tried to deliver the same energy.
Pushed up to press the Tottenham backline when Chelsea didn't have the ball, Neto was on his toes to try and win possession immediately. He narrowed up in the centre circle to converge and stop the pass into Dominic Solanke, attempting to direct play out to the right instead.
This ploy almost worked twice inside the space of two minutes. Neto remained on guard as Spurs settled and was quick to leap to the side in order to cut out pass. On both occasions the ball went perilously close to his outstretched boot but managed to get trough safely to the intended target.
Neto responded by jumping up with frustration, throwing his hands in the air in anger. He looked around towards Fernandez and complained some more as Tottenham then moved easily through the thirds and shouted into the night sky.
The second time this happened it left Neto increasingly annoyed. He turned in exasperation before trudging back off towards his defensive position.
Fireworks (literally)
Half an hour in and goalless. Chelsea had started to draw groans from their home fans once more after stale spells of possession and backwards passes. Jadon Sancho running down blind alleys and not shooting. Fernandez looking first to Robert Sanchez rather than Nicolas Jackson.
Tottenham hadn't done much more. They tried to score for Chelsea twice, first allowing Nicolas Jackson to run between Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero before colliding with Vicario. Then Palmer's low drive was nearly diverted in off a white shirt.
There had been some goalmouth action but the angst of performances in 2025 has built up here again. Then finally some fireworks. Literally.
A set of loud explosions could be heard audibly at Stamford Bridge. It also came during a lull in play which only enhanced the attention on the bangs.
Those at the ground were momentarily shaken whilst a second wave of what must surely have been fireworks let off nearby went up. A short while later and matters on the field flared up as well.
Cristian Romero retaliated after Levi Colwill carried the ball in his hands and behind back after a free kick was given away. Then the true London derby spirit came out with a brawl involving most players, led by Trevoh Chalobah losing his head entirely in a manner completely unlike his usual calm demeanour.
He was booked and had to be held back by his Chelsea teammates. Chalobah very rarely descends into this sort of behaviour but it was the sort of feisty incident that matches between these two so often deliver.
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Chelsea flag prior the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg One match between Chelsea FC and Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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