Denis Zakaria scored on his Chelsea debut as the Blues came from behind to defeat Dinamo Zagreb at Stamford Bridge, capping off a successful Champions League Group E campaign.
The hosts had already secured first place with a game to spare, but they were looking to respond after being defeated 4-1 by Brighton in the Premier League on Saturday.
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They got off to the worst possible start, falling behind in the sixth minute when the Blues defense failed to react to a cross, allowing Bruno Petkovic to head in from close range.
Chelsea struggled to respond at first, but a well-worked move brought them an equalizer when Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang backheeled the ball to Raheem Sterling inside the box and he beat the keeper to score.
On-loan Juventus midfielder Zakaria then made a dream debut, driving in a low shot midway through the first half that cleared the crossbar despite a defender’s attempt to clear.
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Dinamo needed to win to finish third and qualify for the Europa League, and Edouard Mendy made a good save early in the second half to deny Bosko Sutalo’s point-blank header.
Chelsea came close to adding a third goal when Aubameyang hit the crossbar, and Conor Gallagher was denied late on, but Zakaria’s goal was enough to seal the win for the Blues.
