Chelsea reach Champions League knockout stages after victory over Salzburg

Chelsea defeated Red Bull Salzburg away in a thrilling Champions League match with to two outstanding goals from Mateo Kovacic and Kai Havertz, who advanced Graham Potter’s team to the round of 16.

Kovacic, a midfielder, blasted in an unstoppable left-foot strike from 18 yards before Junior Adamu, who had been set up by Maximilian Wober, equalized.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was denied four chances by Salzburg goalkeeper Philipp Kohn, and Jorginho’s header was wonderfully saved off the line by Adamu.

Prior to Thiago Silva being forced to clear Strahinja Pavlovic’s shot off the line by Havertz, Chelsea joined Premier League rivals Manchester City in the knockout round.

In Group E, Chelsea is in first place with 10 points after five games, four points clear of Red Bull Salzburg in second with one game remaining.

If Dinamo Zagreb fails to beat AC Milan later on Tuesday night, Chelsea will top the group and be seeded for the knockout draw.