Chelsea star César Azpilicueta distracts Palmeiras players with genius penalty trick

Chelsea have taken a big step towards the next round of the Champions League after they beat Lille 2-0 in the first leg of their knockout tie.It took Kai Havertz just eight minutes to open the scoring after he headed home from Hakim Ziyech's corner to put Chelsea ahead, and Lille were fortunate to go into the break just a goal down.Injuries dominated the early stages of the second half as Mateo Kovacic and Ziyech limped off down the tunnel, but Christian Pulisic alleviated the pressure by adding a second after 63 minutes to give the home side some breathing space.It was a comfortable night for Chelsea, and it could have been a more convincing win if their flow wasn't disrupted early in the second half, but Thomas Tuchel will feel confident heading to Lille with a two-goal advantage against the French Champions.As Chelsea take control of their Champions League knockout tie, here Daily Star Sport takes a look at what Tuchel got right at Stamford Bridge...It was a huge decision by Thomas Tuchel to leave Romelu Lukaku out of the starting line-up against Lille, but it paid off as Chelsea looked fluid in attack in the absence of their summer signing.It was a game to forget on Saturday for Lukaku, who touched the ball just seven times against Crystal Palace, and Tuchel pulled him out of the line-up after vowing to 'protect him' following the backlash from the fans.Although on his day he is their best centre-forward, it provided a lift for the whole team, who seemed to play with more freedom.It appeared to catch Lille off guard too, as centre-back pairing Jose Fonte and Sven Botman were likely preparing to face Lukaku all week, but took time to adjust to the agility of Chelsea's font-three.In the absence of Lukaku from the

Thomas Tuchel has dropped Romelu Lukaku from his starting line-up to face Lille in the first-leg of their Champions League knockout tie.The Belgian had a game to forget on Saturday against Crystal Palace, registering just seven touches across the 90 minutes, one of which was from kick-off.The £97.5million signing has been named amongst the substitutes rather than leading the line at Stamford Bridge, a week after he helped Chelsea claim the Club World Cup title.Tuchel's decision marks yet another low point in Lukaku's return to Chelsea, which has been dominated in controversy as well as injury since moving from Inter Milan in the summer.Lukaku's tally of seven touches during the 1-0 win against Palace on Saturday was an all-time low for any player over the course of 90 minutes in the Premier League, since such statistics began to be recorded during the 2003/04 season. As a result, Lukaku has been dropped by Tuchel despite the German seemingly defending his summer signing in the build-up to their clash with Lille, as he asked fans to stop making jokes about him.Tuchel said regarding Lukaku's form: "Sometimes it's like this with strikers if they struggle a little bit with self confidence and find the space to get involved with a good defensive side.Is Romelu Lukaku's future at Chelsea in doubt? Comment belowWant to be on the ball with all of the latest football news?Well then sign up for the brilliant Daily Star football email newsletter!From the latest transfer news to the agenda-setting stories, get it all in your email inbox - don't miss a thing.It only takes a matter of seconds.Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit 'subscribe'.And that's it, job done.

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has asked that fans stop mocking Romelu Lukaku as the Belgian's miserable form continues.The German has asked fans to stop joking about Lukaku's form as he looks to defend the £97.5million summer signing, following a quiet display against Crystal Palace.Lukaku registered an unwanted stat on Saturday as he touched the ball just seven times throughout 90 minutes against Palace, with one of those being from kick-off in the first half.It was the fewest number of touches in 90 minutes since the statistics began to be observed during the 2003/04 season, and Tuchel has been quick to back the striker.Tuchel wants the fans to support their striker rather than mock him as Chelsea prepare for an important Champions League clash against Lille, and the German explained: "Sometimes it's like this with strikers if they struggle a little bit with self confidence and find the space to get involved with a good defensive side."It can be like this, of course it's not what we want and what Romelu wants but it's also not to the time laugh about him and make jokes about him."He's in the spotlight and we'll protect him."Has Romelu Lukaku justified his price-tag at Chelsea this season? Comment belowLukaku has scored ten goals for Chelsea since his return to the club, but his second spell has been dominated by injury and also controversies stemming from off the field.But the Belgian seems to be suffering from the 'curse of the Chelsea no.9', as high-profile signings such as Andriy Shevchenko and Fernando Torres also struggled when making emphatic moves to Stamford Bridge.Tuchel was rather tight-lipped on this comparison, but did add: "There's a history of strikers struggling at Chelsea.

Chelsea are targeting a summer transfer move for Wolves defender Max Kilman, according to reports.Kilman, 24, has been a key player for the Midlands side this season and is reportedly on the verge of a first England call-up.The boyhood Blues fan has been one of the standout stars for Bruno Lage's side in a season that has seen them defy expectations and challenge for the Champions League.Wolves are six points off Manchester United with two games in hand on the fourth-place side. Kilman's performance have been a big part of their recent success, and he is now attracting interest from Chelsea, with the European champions prepared to move for the centre-half when the transfer window reopens.

Thomas Tuchel's damning verdict on Chelsea flop Romelu Lukaku has been challenged by Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer.The Blues edged to a 1-0 win over Crystal Palace, but Lukaku was once again anonymous for most of the match.The striker touched the ball just seven times during Saturday's derby clash - the lowest of any Premier League player to complete 90 minutes since data was first collated at the beginning of the 2003/04 campaign.However, Tuchel denied after the game that Lukaku's ineffectiveness was down to Chelsea's system - a claim that both Lineker and Shearer refuted.The former striking duo hinted that the Blues should do more to get the best out of their club-record signing.But Tuchel was defiant after the match, insisting: "No, no, it's not about the system."Well, it is what it is. But for him, there is no change of system because it's the same attacking structure."But that didn't wash at all with Shearer, the Premier League's all-time leading goalscorer, who leapt to Lukaku's defence.He told Match of the Day: "It's clear that they [Chelsea] aren't working on things on the training ground as they are not doing it during the game for him [Lukaku] or for the team."Do you think Chelsea should be doing more to get the best out of Lukaku? Let us know in the comments section. And Lineker, the show's host, went one further by insisting that he'd be "hammering people" if he were in Lukaku's position.

Chelsea fans want "virus" Romelu Lukaku sold after he produced a shockingly bad performance against Crystal Palace.Thomas Tuchel's side were 1-0 winners in the Premier League clash but the result was in no part thanks to Lukaku, who had just two touches of the ball in the first-half.And one of them came from kick-off.The striker finished the game with a total of seven touches, while he was twice flagged offside and also committed two fouls throughout the 90 minutes.Having already rubbed the club's fanbase up the wrong way with his bombshell interview earlier this season, his latest outing was the final straw for many Blues supporters.One tweeted: "Lukaku should be sold tbh . Cut our losses."Another claimed: "Literally everyone has become worse thanks to Lukaku.

Chelsea's trip to take on Crystal Palace on Saturday was their first Premier League game for 27 days since beating Tottenham - and Thomas Tuchel was left with mixed emotions.The Blues, on the back of their Club World Cup triumph, struggled for long periods as Patrick Vieira's men held firm while creating chances of their own.Although the away side did steal all three points thanks to Hakim Ziyech, there wasn't an awful lot to be positive about for their manager.Daily Star Sport have taken a look at three things Tuchel got wrong on the day and one he got right, one of which involves a player who touched the ball only twice during the opening 45 minutes.

Chelsea midfielder Jorginho has admitted that he still 'dreams' about playing under Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola following a failed move to the Etihad Stadium in 2018.

Barcelona forward Ousmane Dembele was booed by his own fans every time he touched the ball against Napoli in the Europa League on Thursday.The Frenchman's torrid spell at the Nou Camp - which has been plagued by injuries and mishaps - appears to have reached its nadir with supporters furious with the 24-year-old for recently rejecting a contract extension.He was greeted by a cacophony of jeers as he came off the bench to make his first appearance for the club in 2022, during what was Barcelona's first Europa League match since 2004, and the bitter home crowd refused to let up all night.Dembele entered the fray with 25 minutes remaining, shortly after Ferran Torres had cancelled out Piotr Zielinski's opener for the visitors, though perhaps unsurprisingly he failed to make any significant impact on the game.Dembele's contract expires in the summer, meaning he'll be able to leave the club on a free transfer at the end of the season.Desperate to avoid that, Barcelona chiefs have been trying to tie the former Dortmund man down to a new deal all season and even insisted the player would be sold in January if he failed to agree an extension by then - but no such move materialised.Would you like to see Ousmane Dembele in the Premier League? Let us know which club you think he'd be most suited to in the comments section...He was linked to Chelsea, which would have seen him reunited with former manager Thomas Tuchel, as well as to Paris Saint Germain, but Dembele opted to stay put and see out the remainder of his £210,000-a-week contract in Catalonia.Barcelona paid a whopping £130 million to bring Dembele to the club in 2017 following an impressive breakthrough season in the Bundesliga, though he's spent just as much time on the

Middlesbrough manager brandished Chelsea hero Cesar Azpilicueta as "lucky" for his illustrious career.Snapped up for the bargain price of £6.5 million in 2012, Azpilicueta, 32, has guided Chelsea through arguably the most prominent period in their history, captaining the side to Champions League glory last season.The last time the Blues lifted the 'big ears' trophy was under former skipper John Terry, who famously donned a full Chelsea kit for the post-match celebrations despite playing no part in the final itself.But the Spaniard's honours list wasn't enough to convince Warnock he's worthy to represent the Blues on the field with the 73-year-old labelling him "a fortunate lad to be at a club like Chelsea."But from one Blues legend to another, Terry has jumped to defend Azpilicueta following Neil Warnock's appearance on TalkSPORT."Is this a wind up ? @talkSPORT" stated Terry alongside an angry face emoji.The ex-Chelsea ace also posted nine trophy emojis next to the comment in relation to the number of honours Azpilicueta has won whilst at the club.Former teammate Cesc Fabregas was also aghast by Warnock's comments, replying with a facepalm emoji.HAVE YOUR SAY! Do you think Cesar Azpilicueta is fortunate to be at Chelsea? Let us know in the comments section."I think Azpilicueta has been a very fortunate lad to be at a club like Chelsea. I don't think he is a great defender," said Warnock."Sometimes in football, you need a bit of luck and I think he's had a bit of luck at the right time and in the right place.

Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta is “not a great defender”.The Spaniard became the first player in Blues’ history to win every single club trophy available, after Thomas Tuchel’s side’s Club World Cup triumph against Palmeiras.Azpilicueta has entrenched himself into Blues’ folklore ever since his £7million move from Marseille in 2013. He has won two Premier League titles, the Champions League, the FA Cup, the League Cup, two Europa League titles, the Club World Cup, and the UEFA Super Cup in his nine seasons at the Blues.But despite his overwhelming success at Stamford Bridge, Warnock believes the Spaniard has been “lucky” to find himself at such a club.

football.london.Broja had not made an appearance for Chelsea before being sent out on loan, though he has always been tipped to have a bright future while working his way up through the academy.With Arteta building a squad with young talents that will improve and create a star-studded squad when those players continue to improve, it is no surprise that the 20-year-old is one of his top targets.But Chelsea are expected to be incredibly reluctant to part ways with their academy graduate given that they are starting to look short of a different option in the final third.Romelu Lukaku has struggled to set the league alight since his return from Inter Milan, and Timo Werner is continuing to look better utilised as a winger rather than through the middle.Discussing Broja earlier this season, Thomas Tuchel said: “He’s our player and he’s doing good, but at the same time it’s only half a season, so he needs to continue to improve and to make his statement at Southampton.“We have a reason why they are our players, they have quality and mentality and now they are out there on their own in different environments and clubs and proving themselves.“Armando’s getting better and better, he’s a very unique player with unique strengths in his game - he has speed, he’s robust and he’s a goalscorer.”Chelsea rejected a bid from Southampton last month for the no.9 which could be a sign of how highly the club rate Broja and thus how unlikely it is that the Stamford Bridge outfit will accept a bid from Arsenal for the star.

Chelsea fans are up in arms after ESPN pundit Craig Burley slammed the club for celebrating their Club World Cup triumph "like a World Cup win".Goals from Romelu Lukaku and Kai Havertz saw the Blues edge past Palmeiras on Saturday to be crowned champions of the world as they secured the only piece of major silverware that had been missing from their trophy cabinet. But as Chelsea's jubilant players and supporters celebrated, Burley insisted he had a problem with the way the club was "salivating" over winning what he describes as a "plastic cup"."As they're off celebrating like they've won the World Cup, Manchester City are racking up a 16 point lead on Chelsea where it really matters - the Premier League, the big competitions, " the former Scotland international said."They're off there celebrating like they're the greatest thing since sliced bread, meanwhile they're getting their backsides booted all over the place from Manchester City.

Chelsea have awkwardly included a snap of Edouard Mendy's gaffe against West Ham United in an online graphic celebrating being crowned 'champions of the world'.Goals from Romelu Lukaku and Kai Havertz saw the Blues inch past Palmeiras to win the Club World Cup on Saturday and clinch the only piece of silverware that had been missing from their trophy cabinet.Naturally, the club's social media team began basking in the glory, as images of players and fans celebrating came flooding in.But a graphic they created to celebrate becoming world champions has rival fans in stitches as they included a shot of Mendy being caught out by Arthur Masuaku's cross during Chelsea's 3-2 defeat to West Ham in December."Chelsea’s graphic saying 'Champions of the world' have a picture of Mendy and it’s the one where he pushes Masuaku’s cross into the goal," tweeted a giddy Hammers fan."That's embarrassing haha.

Chelsea lifted the Club World Cup trophy on Saturday night after beating Palmeiras 2-1 after extra time. Romelu Lukaku opened the scoring in the 55th minute when he powered his header past goalkeeper Weverton following some good work from Callum Hudson-Odoi down the left.

Romelu Lukaku has continued to stir up speculation surrounding his Chelsea future after posting a cryptic message to his Snapchat.The Belgian has found himself in the headlines in recent months after expressing his desire to return to Inter Milan and criticising the tactics of Blues' manager Thomas Tuchel in a controversial interview with Sky Italy.In the build-up to Saturday's Club World Cup final against Brazilian outfit Palmeiras, the striker has now caused another stir with his latest social media activity.In a post to his Snapchat on Friday, Lukaku wrote: "If you have to force it then it probably doesn't fit."While it remains unclear what exactly the 28-year-old is referring to, the timing of the cryptic message is far from ideal.The dust has only just settled following the uproar caused by the remarks made in his recent interview, in which he appeared to take aim at Tuchel."Physically I'm fine, even better than before," Lukaku told Sky Italy. "After two years in Italy, in which I worked a lot at Inter with trainers and nutritionists, I am physically fine.

Chelsea have readied a private jet to whisk Thomas Tuchel to the Club World Cup if he tests negative for Covid. Tuchel needs to provide two negative results before he can travel to Abu Dhabi and link up with his squad.The club are prepared to fly him out on Saturday morning - just hours before the final - to oversee preparations.Chelsea have been without their German boss for the past week after he tested positive for Covid on Saturday.But he is keen to make the Club World Cup final against Palmeiras, and is ready to make the trip at short notice.

Goal report that the Stamford Bridge club have offered closer to his £200,000 a week demands, with Tuchel understandably desperate to keep hold of his star defender. And the German displayed his importance in this win, producing a typically-dominant performance at the heart of Chelsea's defence to ensure they head to the final with a much-needed clean sheet.

Chelsea’s summer transfer window as he reportedly lines up a move for Jules Kounde.Kounde was a target for the Blues last summer, but their move for the Sevilla star collapsed on deadline day after a disagreement over the fee.The 23-year-old has starred for Sevilla since joining the La Liga side in 2019, helping them to win the Europa League and playing a key role in their unexpected title challenge this season.Tuchel has been keen to improve his defensive options for some time, with Antonio Rudiger, Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen all out of contract in the summer.French international Kounde is one of his top targets, with Chelsea expected to launch a renewed effort to sign him.But they are facing competition from Barcelona, with Xavi hoping to upset Tuchel’s well-laid transfer plans.According to Sport, Barca are ‘keen’ to sign a replacement for veteran defender and club legend Gerard Pique.Xavi believes that Kounde is the ‘ideal man’ to take Pique’s place in Barca’s backline, following his impressive performances for Sevilla.Who do you think Jules Kounde should join: Chelsea or Barcelona? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section...The Barcelona boss is thought to be a ‘massive fan’ of the centre-back, who has helped Sevilla to secure 12 clean sheets in all competitions this season.Defence is the next area on Xavi’s shopping list, having successfully bolstered his attack in the January window with the signings of Ferran Torres and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.But that outlay could leave them struggling to compete with Chelsea’s financial strength, with Barca still suffering financial problems.Want to be on the ball with all of the latest football news?Well then sign up for the brilliant Daily Star

Chelsea have one of the best academies in the world and their impact on the football pyramid has been far-reaching. However, not all players that come up through Cobham go on to make it and the pathway to the first-team has been blurry during Roman Abramovich’s reign.

Chelsea’s forgotten star Kenedy has been given another shot at resurrecting his dwindling career by manager Thomas Tuchel.The Brazilian winger, 25, has been included in the Blues’ Premier League squad for the first time since 2018 and is training with the first team after being recalled from his loan spell at Flamengo in January.Kenedy was tipped for big things when he signed for £6.3million as a teenager in 2015, but his career lost momentum while he was repeatedly sent out on loans to the likes of Watford, Newcastle, Getafe and Grenada.But Tuchel believes the player is now ready for a return despite his last competitive game for Chelsea coming against Norwich four years ago.When asked whether Kenedy was being given another chance to prove himself, the German claimed the talent is being presented with a “huge opportunity”.He said: “Absolutely a clean slate. Yes, I cannot agree more.