Substitute Michy Batshuayi hit an 86th-minute winner as Chelsea beat Ajax 1-0 in Amsterdam to come alive in Group H in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Batshuayi struck from 10 yards after a centre from fellow sub Christian Pulisic to give Chelsea a vital win, and their sixth on the trot in all competitions under Frank Lampard.
In a goalless first half, Ajax had a goal disallowed by VAR for a tight offside on Quincy Promes (35), before hitting the post through a Edson Alvarez header after the break.
Chelsea’s best chance had fallen to substitute Batshuayi, who lashed over in space just moments after being introduced, but he more than made amends with four minutes remaining.
The result puts Chelsea top of Group H, level on points with Ajax and three ahead of Valencia, but that could change with the Spaniards taking on Lille in the 8pm kick-off on Wednesday.
After a false start to their campaign, Chelsea were looking to take control of Group H against last season’s semi-finalists.
In a frenetic first half, Ajax did have the ball in the net through Promes’ back-post tap in, but he was found to be inches offside by VAR from Hakim Ziyech’s deflected cross from the right flank.
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