Chelsea turned up when it mattered on the final day of the Premier League season as they secured a top five finish in the Premier League against Nottingham Forest.
Levi Colwill scored the only goal at the City Ground as the youngest team in Premier League history secured their place in the Champions League for next season.
Enzo Maresca got everything spot on as the Blues ended their tough run away from home, and one of the toughest decisions he will have had to make saw Romeo Lavia start his second consecutive game from the bench.
The boss preferred Moises Caicedo in the midfield, meaning there was a return and another imperious performance from club captain Reece James.
Lavia made an impact off the bench, but was celebrating with his teammates when the full-time whistle was blown and Chelsea’s fate was secured.
Photo by Andrew Kearns - CameraSport via Getty Images
Photo by Andrew Kearns – CameraSport via Getty Images
Romeo Lavia sends four-word message to Andrey Santos after huge Chelsea win
The Belgian midfielder took to Instagram to mark the achievement, and he was quickly congratulated by Andrey Santos, who is yet to make his competitive debut for the Blues after joining a number of years ago.
The Brazilian commented on his post with a number of clapping emojis, before Lavia replied: “Waiting for you bro.”
While they play in the same position, Chelsea fans will be extremely excited at the prospect of both featuring alongside each other at Stamford Bridge, especially with Champions League nights returning to West London.
Photo by Sathire Kelpa/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Photo by Sathire Kelpa/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
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Andrey Santos gets Todd Boehly seal of approval
After a sensational loan spell at Strasbourg, Santos is now ready to make his long-awaited debut for the Blues next season.
There has been talk of other top clubs looking to take an opportunity and sign the highly-talented midfielder, hoping Chelsea would be prepared to cash in on him already.
This is not the case though, and Todd Boehly confirmed Santos would stay at the club. He shared that he would begin appearing for them at next month’s Club World Cup.
The owner was emotional at full-time as he saw his project show real signs of progressing, and he will be one of many hoping Lavia and Santos can be key members of that going forwards.