Chelsea’s Champions League destiny stays in their very own fingers because of an unlikely supply – who may very well be now set for a lifetime stadium ban.
The Blues beat Manchester United 1-0 at Stamford Bridge on Friday night time in an end-to-end affair which noticed the guests have a primary half aim dominated out for offside.
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Marc Cucurella’s second half strike proved to be the distinction between the 2 sides.
The consequence proved essential for Enzo Maresca’s aspect after Aston Villa had overwhelmed Tottenham earlier within the night.
Chelsea moved as much as fourth with the victory, though Manchester Metropolis, now in sixth spot, have a recreation in hand towards Bournemouth on Tuesday.
Nonetheless, the west London outfit shall be assured of a Champions League return in the event that they beat Nottingham Forest on the ultimate day of the season.
Followers have a brand new hero to thank for enhancing their high 5 hopes after a pitch invader disrupted a promising United assault throughout stoppage time.
Because the Crimson Devils got here ahead with Harry Maguire in quest of an equaliser, the match was halted by the intruder.
They may very well be seen sprinting throughout the pitch and previous a number of gamers from each groups.
Their antics got here to a dramatic finish, although, as a steward completely timed a deal with to ship the fan to the turf.
talkSPORT’s Sam Matterface described the second the fan entered the sphere of play on commentary, stating: “Ball up in direction of Maguire, Maguire tries to flick it on…
“There’s anyone on the pitch right here who has come onto the enjoying floor and that is delayed the top of the match, it will add important seconds onto the match.”
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As soon as the invader had been tackled, he added: “Maguire is saying [to the referee] that the ball needs to be with them as a result of the ball was in Man United’s possession when this fool fan got here onto the pitch.
“He is been wrestled to the ground by some orange-wearing stewards. He is nonetheless attempting to struggle.
“Effectively performed fella, you will by no means come again right here once more. What a wonderful factor to do.”
In the meantime, supporters had been additionally fast to react to the incident on social media, with one writing: “The pitch invader is the person of the match.”
One other quipped: “That pitch invader must be given an award
A 3rd added: “That lifetime ban from the pitch invader was completely value it.”
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The disruption might show to safe Chelsea’s high 5 end as they held on for the victory.
A United equaliser would have seen the hosts drop two factors and head into the ultimate day outdoors the Champions League locations.
As an alternative, the Blues stay forward of Villa on aim distinction with only one match remaining for either side.
Maresca is aiming to safe a spot within the competitors for the primary time in two years.
The 2-time winners haven’t appeared within the Champions League since dropping to Actual Madrid within the quarter-finals again in 2023.