Rival Watch: Victory for Chelsea ahead of Camp Nou clash

Chelsea claimed victory against Crystal Palace in their final Premier League fixture before facing Barça at Camp Nou in the second leg of their last 16 Champions League tie. A strike from Willian and a Martin Kelly own goal were enough to give Antonio Conte’s side all three points although they were given a scare late on when Van Aanholt pulled one back for the visitors right at the death.

The home side had the upper hand from early on and it was no surprise when Willian’s mazy run ended with the ball in the back of the net, albeit via a deflection, on 25 minutes. Chelsea doubled their lead seven minutes later via an own goal from defender Martin Kelly after Zappacosta’s cross caused havoc in the Palace defence.

In the second half Chelsea had chances to extend their lead further but failed to take them. The visitors cut the deficit right at the death with a good finish from Van Aanholt but Conte’s side hung on to take the win which leaves them in fifth place in the Premier League on 56 points.