A stunning free kick from Willian seven minutes from time gave Chelsea a nervy and hard-fought 2-1 Champions League Group G win over Dynamo Kiev on Wednesday to lift some of the gloom surrounding Stamford Bridge.
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The English champions bossed the game throughout a largely one-sided first half and led at the break after Dynamo centre-back Aleksandar Dragovic headed into his own net after 33 minutes.
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The same player then scored at the right end when he thundered in Dynamo’s equaliser after 77 minutes as the visitors battled their way back into the match.
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Willian, however, stepped up to strike a brilliant free kick that gave Dynamo keeper Olexandr Shovkovskiy no chance of saving.
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The result left Chelsea in second place on seven points, behind leaders Porto on 10. Dynamo have five points and Maccabi Tel Aviv none.
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Despite the depressed mood surrounding Chelsea following their miserable start to the season, the home fans still sang the name of under-pressure manager Jose Mourinho, who saluted their support by waving to all parts of the stadium.
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The Chelsea boss even burst into laughter on occasion, most theatrically when Czech referee Pavel Kralovec waved away appeals for a penalty after Diego Costa was sent tumbling just before halftime.
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TV replays showed the official’s decision was correct.
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