Alonso´s late header gave Chelsea advantage

Slavia were missing Tomáš Souček due to yellow cards. Traoré and Král thus started as defensive midfielders and Petr Ševčík in centre of midfield for the first time in Europe since home game against Genk. Peter Olayinka was part of starting XI as a lone striker.

In absence of Škoda and Souček in the starting line-up Ivorian defender Simon Deli captained Slavia for the first time since joining the club in 2015.

Slavia started with high pressing and Deli got into the first chance just 2 minutes into the game heading the ball wide after Stoch’s cross from the free-kick. The red-whites set the pace of the game in the opening 20 minutes, but Ševčík’s shot from outside the box was blocked by Kepa.

Chelsea proved their quality on 25th minute when Willian got the ball on the left side of the box and hit crossbar with his right-foot shot. None of the teams then managed to create another chance in the first half.

After the break Rüdiger’s effort crowned period of Chelsea pressure, but Kolář showed perfect save and blocked the low shot with his right leg. On the other hand, on 68th minute Traoré fired from 20 meters after a quick counter-attack and Kepa had to punch his firm shot away.

Chelsea goalkeeper showed his class again on 80th minute when Jan Bořil fired from inside the box after Hušbauer’s cross and Kepa blocked his effort to a corner kick.

But it was Marcos Alonso who managed to break the deadlock on 86th minute. Willian found Spanish back with his pinpoint cross from the right wing and Alonso found the back of the net with his head.

Slavia thus lost their first home game in UEFA Europa League. But the 0-1 defeat against Chelsea leaves everything open for the second leg on Stamford Bridge.