Chelsea vs. AC Milan score: Blues dominate at Stamford Bridge to pick up first win of UCL group stage

Wesley Fofana, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Reece James all scored

Chelsea got their first win of the Champions League group stage on Wednesday, beating AC Milan 3-0 on Matchday 3 at Stamford Bridge. Stefano Pioli's men started off quite well in the first minutes of the match, but it was Chelsea that opened to the scoring thanks to an easy finish by Wesley Fofana 24 minutes in. The first half ended without more goals, but in the second half the home side managed to score two more through Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Reece James. The guests, on the other hand, were not able to create chances and had overall a very disappointing night in London, recording just one shot on goal. 

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Chelsea, on the other hand, were able to win an important and crucial match that they couldn't afford to even draw. After losing the opening match against Dinamo Zagreb and drawing the last one against RB Salzburg, Graham Potter's team currently have four points, tied with AC Milan for the second place, while RB Salzburg are leading the group with five points. There's still all to play for with Milan and Chelsea meeting at the San Siro next week on Matchday 4.

Here's what to know:

Chelsea are back on their game

After recording only one point in the first two matches, Chelsea got what they needed, winning their first UCL match under new coach Graham Potter. The Blues are now fully back in the race to go through from the group stage thanks to a solid win and a very good performance. In particular, key players such as Wesley Fofana and Reece James were not only able to score but they also impressed well, though the former left injured. 

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang took advantage of the only real chance he had during the match and scored, and it seems that Potter has found a system that he can work with. Next Tuesday at San Siro, the match will be different and much more difficult to play, but Chelsea are now positioned quite well to hope for another positive result. 

A disappointing night for AC Milan 

On the other side, AC Milan fans have to be disappointed after this game. Despite a very good performance from Rafael Leao, Pioli can't be really happy after this loss. American International Sergiño Dest didn't play his best game and has yet to make an impact, which is a concern considering that he's playing only because both Davide Calabria and Alessandro Florenzi are injured.

It was a bad night also for former Chelsea player Fikayo Tomori who was responsible for the second goal conceded in the second half. This team can deliver much more than what we saw at Stamford Bridge and the fans expect a reaction already this Saturday against Juventus.

[Oct 5, 2022 at 4:54 pm ET · Francesco Porzio]

THIS IS IT!

 It's 3-0 at the end in London. A great night for Chelsea, a disappointing one for the visitors. 

[Oct 5, 2022 at 4:41 pm ET · Francesco Porzio]

Match is already over

Even if ten minutes are left here, it looks like the game is over already and AC Milan have basically given up their chances for tonight. 

[Oct 5, 2022 at 4:25 pm ET · Francesco Porzio]

GOAL - It's three! 

3-0, another goal for the home side. Reece James scored and put the game in the hands of Chelsea. A very disappointing night for AC Milan fans so far. 

[Oct 5, 2022 at 4:18 pm ET · Francesco Porzio]

GOAL - Aubameyang scores! 

And there it is. The home side scored the second goal of the night with Pierre Aubameyang who was behind Fikayo Tomori and didn't miss his first real opportunity of the night. A deserved result for now. 

[Oct 5, 2022 at 4:07 pm ET · Francesco Porzio]

We are back

Second half started in London with no changes. 

[Oct 5, 2022 at 3:52 pm ET · Francesco Porzio]

First half is over

First 45 minutes are gone in London, with Chelsea ahead 1-0 thanks to the goal scored by Wesley Fofana. AC Milan were close to equalise in the last minute of stoppage time. 

[Oct 5, 2022 at 3:40 pm ET · Francesco Porzio]

First substitution 

Wesley Fofana, who scored the opening goal, is forced to leave the pitch for an injury. Trevoh Chalobah replaced him after 37 minutes. 

[Oct 5, 2022 at 3:35 pm ET · Francesco Porzio]

Chelsea are in control 

The home side are definitely deserving to be ahead here. AC Milan are on the other hand struggling to keep the ball and are not able to create chances as of now. Chelsea were also able to score the second goal with Mason Mount, but the referee called it on offside. 

[Oct 5, 2022 at 3:25 pm ET · Francesco Porzio]

GOAL - Fofana opens the score! 

Chelsea are ahead after 23 minutes. Tatarusanu saved the first header of Koulibaly but then the guests were not able to throw the ball away inside the box. It was Fofana who arrived on the ball first and scored the opening goal of the night in London. 

[Oct 5, 2022 at 3:25 pm ET · Francesco Porzio]

Chelsea pushing now 

The home side is pushing to score the opening goal of the night at the Bridge. The Blues had at least two chances but failed to score. 

[Oct 5, 2022 at 3:10 pm ET · Francesco Porzio]

Intense match 

A pretty intense start from both sides in London. No real chances as of now but the game looks like it will be an interesting one to watch. 

[Oct 5, 2022 at 2:41 pm ET · Francesco Porzio]

KICK-OFF

The match has started at Stamford Bridge. The home side need a win the keep their hope alive this season in the UEFA Champions League's campaign. 

[Oct 5, 2022 at 1:01 pm ET · Francesco Porzio]

Team news

Chelsea XI: Kepa; Fofana, Silva, Koulibaly; James, Kovacic, Loftus-Cheek, Mount, Chilwell; Aubameyang, Sterling. 

AC Milan XI: Tatarusanu; Dest, Kalulu, Tomori, Ballo-Toure; Bennacer, Tonali; Krunic, De Ketelaere, Leão; Giroud. 

[Oct 5, 2022 at 1:06 pm ET · Francesco Porzio]

The group stage 

Let's take a look at the current situation of the group after the match played between RB Salzburg and Dinamo Zagreb (1-0 for the Austrian side). 

1. RB Salzburg 5
2. AC Milan 4
3. Dinamo Zagreb 3
4. Chelsea 1

[Oct 5, 2022 at 1:04 pm ET · Francesco Porzio]

Two hours to go! 

Welcome from Stamford Bridge, where in less than two hours we will see the kick-off of the Champions League match between Chelsea and AC Milan. 

[Oct 5, 2022 at 1:03 pm ET · Francesco Porzio]

How to watch and odds

Date: Wednesday, Oct. 5 | Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
Location: Stamford Bridge -- London
TV and live stream: Paramount+
Odds: Chelsea -145; Draw +290; Milan +390 (via Caesars Sportsbook)