Chelsea vs Pafos: The Blues edge closer to securing automatic qualification, with narrow win over Cyprus giants

The Blues have been on a good run in the Champions League, losing just one of their last five games. They head into the game following a 2-0 win over Brentford in the Premier League at the weekend.

They needed a win to boost their chances of securing an automatic qualification, with their position on the table not certain.

However, they were able to steal a narrow 1-0 win over a stubborn Pafos side that deprived them of scoring many goals.

Chelsea's lineup saw six changes following their 2-0 victory over Brentford on Saturday. Noteworthy omissions include Cole Palmer, Marc Cucurella, and Robert Sanchez.

Meanwhile, in Pafos, former Chelsea defender David Luiz was only fit enough for a spot on the bench. Domingos Quina, another ex-Blue from Chelsea's academy, was also named among the substitutes.

The Blues, despite being the better side, failed to open up the game with the first goal and head into halftime goalless.

Pafos continued to make it difficult for Chelsea in the second half, but the Blues pressed on and got the opening goal in the 78th minute, following a header from Moise Caicedo.

The visitors also tried to make something happen after conceding, but could not get past the Chelsea defenders.

Chelsea then held on to their one-goal lead to secure the win, with the result taking them to eighth position on the table.