Goals from Olivier Giroud, Ross Barkley and Callum Hudson-Odoi against Malmo ensured that Chelsea made it through to the Round of 16 stage of the Europa League.
Chelsea bounced back from their disappointing FA Cup exit at the hands of Manchester United, as they defeated Malmo FF 3-0 at Stamford Bridge (5-1 on aggregate) in the second leg of their UEFA Europa League Round of 32 tie.
It was the Swedish outfit that started the game on the front foot and looked the most likely to open the scoring on Thursday night. But, Chelsea worked their way back into the game, although it remained goalless at half-time.
Ten minutes into the second half, Olivier Giroud handed Chelsea the lead with the simplest of tap-ins, before Ross Barkley thumped home a sensational free-kick to make it 2-0. Callum Hudson-Odoi then added further gloss on the scoreline with a well-taken strike.
It wasn’t the most convincing performances by Maurizio Sarri’s men, especially the way they started, but they hung on and worked their way back to seal safe passage through to the next round. And here’s how the Chelsea supporters reacted to the victory on social media.
Chelsea beating a team 3-0 that have a similar colour kit to Citeh pic.twitter.com/HAqEDN6uIQ
— LDN BOX (@LDN_BOX) February 21, 2019
I like it when Chelsea score goals.
2nd half > 1st half— losriley (@losriley) February 21, 2019
Chelsea is back! Ebe like Sunday City fit drink…Return of the #Sarriball ??
— Sylvester Nyanful (@slynyanful) February 21, 2019
FT: Chelsea 3-0 Malmo
Poor first half, decent second and Chelsea win 5-1 on aggregate. Looks good but it was a struggle across two legs. Giroud, Barkley & Hudson-Odoi with the goals. Sarriball passes the first and the easiest of the upcoming tests. #CFC#CHEMALpic.twitter.com/C3PA3KVf16
— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) February 21, 2019
Callum Hudson-Odoi got a rare start on Thursday night against Malmo and the youngster made the most of the opportunity impressing everyone with his performance capped with a brilliant goal in the dying embers of the game. Fans were full of praise for the teenage sensation, with many imploring Sarri to start the 18-year-old against Manchester City on Sunday in the Carabao Cup final.
HUDSON-ODOI!
Pop bottles, ladies & gents! The CHOsen One has scored.
— Alex Silverberg (@AlexGoldberg_) February 21, 2019
Hudson-Odoi at Stamford Bridge this evening.
• 12 duels won.
• Won 100% of headers.
• Executed 3 key passes.
• Created 1 big chance.
• Completed 4 /4 switches of play.
• 9 completed dribbles.Took 1 shot on goal and scored with it. pic.twitter.com/8mjMp2HOTb
— ??????? ?? ??????? (@ChelseaYannick) February 21, 2019
What more does CHO needs to do to start games for Chelsea
— َ (@HazardEdition) February 21, 2019
Future Chelsea Legend ? #CHEMAL pic.twitter.com/AOWXQSwPrC
— ?⃠ (@LitSego) February 21, 2019
CHO > Pedro and Willian. This isn’t even controversial #CHEMAL #CFC pic.twitter.com/E2ZH3YpPEk
— Gully Burrows (@gullyburrows93) February 21, 2019
Every time he gets a chance, he makes a strong case from himself to be starting over Willian and Pedro.
It’s time for #CHO! #CFC pic.twitter.com/p2ly9iIv2t
— Zaaviar (@ZaaviarKhan) February 21, 2019
Please stay with us CHO! I hope Sarri will give the starting lineup to Emerson, RLC & CHO against Man City. Give man of the match award to Willian for his 2 assists. #KTBFFH https://t.co/nyBkdCNAGC
— Hakim Kamaruzaman (@hakimmuhd55) February 21, 2019
If CHO doesn’t play this weekend. #SarriOut #CFC
— Mr Jabz (@Jabu_sitch) February 21, 2019
CHO is an all rounder, how Chelsea are treating him like this is bizarre
— ? (@A2Dubie) February 21, 2019
CHO deserves to start on Sunday.
— King Ebuka (@iamkingebuka) February 21, 2019