Chelsea ended the Champions League group stage undefeated but had to settle for a draw against Krasnodar at Stamford Bridge.
Despite having the better of the game in terms of possession and territory, we couldn’t find a way through our Russian opponents for a winner during a frustrating second half and had to be wary of Krasnodar’s constant threat on the break.
Indeed, it was the visitors who took the lead in the first half when Cesar Azpilicueta found himself outnumbered three-on-one at right-back and Krasnodar worked the ball quickly to Remy Cabella, who finished accurately into the bottom corner.
We were only behind for a matter of minutes, though, as Tammy Abraham was clattered in the box when he looked poised to pull the trigger, allowing Jorginho to equalise nervelessly from the penalty spot.
However, despite plenty of effort to find a winner, we had to be content with a draw against stubborn opponents.
Havertz continued to look sharp following his spell out, with one no-look volleyed pass to play in Cesar Azpilicueta in particular leaving the fans purring, and it seemed he could be the one to make something happen as we dominated possession in the opening 15 minutes.
However, when they did get the ball, Krasnodar were looking dangerous. There were two warnings as Kepa Arrizabalaga could watch powerful efforts from Tony Vilhena and Viktor Claesson wide of the target, but they weren’t heeded and the Russians took the lead.
Azpilicueta found himself outnumbered down our right and after Krasnodar played a neat triangle around our skipper the ball was worked to Remy Cabella in the box. The former Newcastle United midfielder showed plenty of composure to place the ball right in the corner, leaving Kepa with no chance.
