Chelsea FC 2-1 Dinamo Zagreb LIVE! Champions League result, match stream, latest reaction and updates today

Chelsea vs Dinamo Zagreb - LIVE!

Denis Zakaria scored the winner on his Chelsea debut as Graham Potter’s side finished top of Champions League Group E with a 2-1 victory over Dinamo Zagreb at Stamford Bridge.

A 1-0 defeat at Zagreb on September 6 triggered the sacking of former Blues manager Thomas Tuchel, but Potter saw his side return to winning ways after the weekend defeat to his former club Brighton. Despite going behind to Bruno Petkovic’s early goal, Raheem Sterling equalised before on-loan Juventus midfielder Zakaria - who has had to wait for a chance to impress, struck.

Zagreb went into the game requiring a win and a RB Salzburg defeat to reach the Europa League, but were unable to get the required result in London. There was a concerning moment for Chelsea in stoppage time when England international Ben Chilwell was forced off after going down clutching his left hamstring.

Chelsea vs Dinamo Zagreb latest news

• Chilwell limps off with apparent hamstring injury

• GOAL! Zakaria nets on Blues debut

• GOAL! Sterling gets Chelsea level

• GOAL! Petkovic with shock early opener

Chelsea FC 2 - 1 GNK Dinamo Zagreb

Zakaria shifts narrative around Chelsea loan

22:53 , Matt Verri

Denis Zakaria produced a near-perfect debut to dispel suggestions that he could be set for an early return to Juventus.

The loanee finally made his first appearance for Chelsea in the 2-1 win over Dinamo Zagreb in the final Champions League Group E game.

The Blues had already qualified for the last 16, but the midfielder took his chance in a strong lineup at Stamford Bridge to show what Graham Potter had been missing by not using him this season.

His whipped finish in the 30th minute at the edge of Zagreb’s box ultimately helped his side earn three points and a morale-boosting win after a dismal defeat to Brighton at the weekend.

Read Nizaar Kinsella’s full analysis here

Worrying for club and country...

22:00 , Matt Verri

Ton up!

21:58 , Matt Verri

FT: Chelsea 2-1 Dinamo Zagreb

21:55 , Matt Verri

And that’s full-time at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea end their group-stage campaign on a high, comfortable enough win even despite the fact they fell behind.

Focus is on Chilwell though, who is being helped from the pitch.

21:52 , Matt Verri

90+4 mins: Into the final minute of stoppage-time - big concern here for Chilwell.

He pulled up quickly as he looked to run past a Zagreb player, immediately grabbed his hamstring. Looks really upset as he lies on the floor.

21:50 , Matt Verri

90+2 mins: Had to score!

Gallagher looks certain to seal the win in stoppage-time, inside the six yard box but he sends it straight at the goalkeeper. Great work from Pulisic, Gallagher really should have finished that.

21:48 , Matt Verri

90 mins: Pulisic leads the Chelsea counter, Moharrami has no interest in trying to keep up with him so brings the forward down. Yellow card.

Too far out for a shot this, surely. Mount is eyeing it up though, at least 35 yards out. Decent effort but it’s a fair way wide.

21:45 , Matt Verri

86 mins: Another chance!

Brilliant cross whipped into the box, it somehow falls for Silva at the back post but he wasn’t expecting it. Just hits him and rolls wide.

21:43 , Matt Verri

84 mins: Chelsea make their final change, Pulisic on to replace Sterling.

The American sets Broja away down the right, he plays it back to Gallagher and his effort is saved from a tight angle. Still the Blues are frustrated in their search for a third goal.

21:40 , Matt Verri

81 mins: It’s Chelsea pushing for the third goal, Zagreb pinned right back. Gallagher tries his luck from distance, takes a slight deflection. Guess what? Another corner.

For once Chalobah doesn’t get on the end of it, though he wasn’t too far away.

21:37 , Matt Verri

78 mins: Chelsea continue to get plenty of corners, looking dangerous from most of them too. And again, Chalobah wins the header but it’s blocked by the wall of white shirts.

Zagreb left two players up on the halfway line for that, they know they need to find two goals in the next 15 minutes.

21:34 , Matt Verri

75 mins: Talking of slight flicks, Mount’s free-kick is tipped over the bar, looked to be destined for the top corner.

Rain is absolutely pouring down again at Stamford Bridge, miserable conditions in west London.

Loftus-Cheek down in the box... no real appeals though. Nothing given.

21:31 , Matt Verri

73 mins: Still Zakaria continues on his lap of honour, milking every second of applause. Why not after two months watching on.

Corner for Chelsea is met by Silva, gets too much on the header though - only needed a slight flick.

21:29 , Matt Verri

71 mins: Zakaria down receiving treatement, this will be the end of his night. He trudges off, nice ovation for him as he does so - hopefully nothing too serious with that injury.

Loftus-Cheek on to replace him for the final 20 minutes or so.

21:27 , Matt Verri

68 mins: Chelsea happy enough to just let Zagreb pass the ball around at the back, they’re not really going anyway.

Not a huge amount of pace in the match now, which will suit the Blues just fine.

21:23 , Matt Verri

64 mins: Havertz, Aubameyang and Koulibaly off, Gallagher, Broja and Silva on for Chelsea.

Focus now turns to the weekend for Potter - huge match against Arsenal.

21:21 , Matt Verri

62 mins: Orsic loses the ball and Chelsea can break, as Aubameyang plays the one-two with Sterling.

Too much on the pass though and Zagreb can get back briefly, though Chelsea are back on the attack. Chilwell plays the ball across the face of goal, Aubameyang can’t catch up with it to leave himself a tap-in.

21:16 , Matt Verri

58 mins: Really open start to this half, both sides getting success in forward areas.

Azpilicueta whips the cross in, Havertz directs the header at goal but no real pace on it. Comfortable save.

21:14 , Matt Verri

55 mins: Wonderful football from the Blues, Aubameyang sliding the ball through to Chilwell and he chops inside.

Cut-back is intercepted, again it comes to Aubameyang but this time it’s a wild effort. Ball lands about 40 rows back.

21:11 , Matt Verri

52 mins: Chelsea’s turn to whip in a corner, Chilwell again to take it.

Chalobah gets across his man and flicks it on, may well have been heading for the far corner but it was blocked.

Comes to Aubameyang on the left, he cuts inside and curls a brilliant effort at goal... smashes back off the bar!

21:08 , Matt Verri

50 mins: Great save from Mendy, corner whipped in by Zagreb and the Chelsea goalkeeper is forced into action. Right in front of the away fans, who have been in fine voice all night.

Misic looks to put it back into the box, blazed miles over everyone.

21:06 , Matt Verri

48 mins: Petkovic tries to play Orsic in, but Chalobah reads it well to intercept.

At the other end of the pitch Aubameyang keeps the ball in play on the left and floats a cross in, it’s cut out with Sterling lining up the volley. He fancied that.

Back underway!

21:03 , Matt Verri

Up and running for the second-half at Stamford Bridge!

Zakaria expected to remain at Chelsea

20:55 , Matt Verri

Denis Zakaria is set to stay at Chelsea for the duration of the 2022-23 season after his selection against Dinamo Zagreb, writes Nizaar Kinsella.

The 25-year-old is making his debut tonight - there were doubts over whether the Switzerland international would play due to FIFA rules which state that he is only eligible to play for two teams in a single season.

Having already lined up twice for Juventus this season, it means that he now can’t seek another loan move in January.

The Turin giants have also said that they don’t want their midfielder back this season which means he will remain in west London for the duration of the season.

Debut marked in style!

20:52 , Matt Verri

HT: Chelsea 2-1 Dinamo Zagreb

20:48 , Matt Verri

And that’s half-time in west London.

Petkovic put the visitors in front early on, but Chelsea have got things back on track through Sterling and Zakaria.

Well on course now to end their group-stage campaign on a high.

20:46 , Matt Verri

45 mins: Just the one minute added on at Stamford Bridge.

Been a good one for Chelsea after a ropey first 15 minutes, well in control since then.

Nizaar Kinsella at Stamford Bridge

20:44 , Matt Verri

Denis Zakaria has been really impressive in every aspect of his game from his distribution, to breaking up the play and now getting the goal.

That £25million option to buy in his loan might become a talking point all of a sudden.

20:44 , Matt Verri

43 mins: First Zagreb attack in a long time, low cross is played in but Koulibaly is there to boot it away.

Visitors keep the pressure on though, cross stood up to the back post and Azpilicueta decides to knock it behind for a corner.

20:41 , Matt Verri

40 mins: And that’s far less impressive from Koulibaly, late and unnecessary challenge and he earns himself a yellow card.

Aubameyang has been holding his back a bit in the last couple of minutes, Broja sent out to warm-up. One to keep an eye on.

20:39 , Matt Verri

38 mins: Petkovic with a nice turn, plays the ball through but Koulibaly comes charging across and has the pace to intercept.

Havertz with another lovely touch, he’s been one of Chelsea’s best players so far. Maybe even the pick of the bunch.

20:36 , Matt Verri

36 mins: Sterling finally does get a decision in his favour.

Holding the ball up, he’s playing for the foul and eventually the referee’s whistle comes. Sterling wisely decided not to just pick up the ball this time, not sure that’s a great tactic.

20:34 , Matt Verri

33 mins: Zagreb struggling to get a kick now, Chelsea fully in control after that early scare.

Such a fluid front-line for the Blues, all of them having the freedom to move around the pitch. Aubameyang has been quiet but everyone else looks sharp overall.

GOAL! Chelsea 2-1 Dinamo Zagreb | Denis Zakaria 30'

20:31 , Matt Verri

CHELSEA DO GET THEIR SECOND!

And it’s a debut goal for Zakaria, great moment for him. Again it comes down the right from Chelsea, Mount making the run in behind.

Cut back falls for Zakaria and his finish just about crosses the line, despite the efforts of the man on the line.

20:30 , Matt Verri

29 mins: Huge chance!

Havertz does superbly on the right, moving into the box and cutting the ball back perfectly for Sterling.

Bounces just in front of him, and on the half-volley he balloons it over from close range. Had to score.

20:29 , Matt Verri

28 mins: Ristovski with a late challenge on Jorginho, Zagreb with a couple of those already.

Sterling thinks there’s been another one as he topples to the floor and grabs the ball. Free-kick given... for handball. Chelsea man less than impressed.

20:26 , Matt Verri

25 mins: Mount drifts wide, low cross into the box and it’s cleared behind for a Chelsea corner. Chilwell strolls over to take it.

Good delivery, Koulibaly gets up well at the near post but he powers the header over the bar. Decent chance that.

20:22 , Matt Verri

22 mins: Chelsea going through the gears now, looking far more confident on the ball, Zagreb struggling to respond.

Mount drives into space through the middle of the pitch, Misic with a very cynical trip and that’s a yellow card.

Nizaar Kinsella at Stamford Bridge

20:21 , Matt Verri

Sterling has scored his first goal in nine games for club and country and, from his celebrations, it looked like he needed that.

Remarkably, he is still the club’s top scorer after a good start to campaign and is now on five goals in all competitions for Chelsea

GOAL! Chelsea 1-1 Dinamo Zagreb | Raheem Sterling 18'

20:19 , Matt Verri

GREAT FINISH!

Much more like it from Chelsea and it brings the equaliser. Jorginho with a great pass in behind for Aubameyang, he backheels it to Sterling who is really composed.

Shifts it inside, passes the left-footed shot into the bottom corner.

20:16 , Matt Verri

16 mins: Few groans as Jorginho drives forward, stops and plays the ball backwards.

That’s better, forward to Havertz and he whips a brilliant early cross in, met by Sterling at the back post. Volleyed over the bar, really tough chance.

Nizaar Kinsella at Stamford Bridge

20:14 , Matt Verri

Chelsea go arguably full strength and are already a goal down against Group E minnows Dinamo Zagreb.

It doesn’t really matter in regards to the Champions League but Graham Potter clearly wanted a confidence boost ahead of Arsenal. This is the opposite of that.

20:13 , Matt Verri

12 mins: Chelsea yet to get going in an attacking sense, nothing to speak about in the opening ten minutes or so.

Not really what Potter wold have been expecting after naming such a strong lineup. Zagreb already taking an age over set-pieces - maybe a bit early to be starting that.

20:10 , Matt Verri

10 mins: More problems for Potter, Koulibaly is down and receiving treatment. Talk about a miserable start to the match...

He’s not moving particularly well as he gets to his feet, but he’ll be carrying on for now.

GOAL! Chelsea 0-1 Dinamo Zagreb | Bruno Petkovic 7'

20:08 , Matt Verri

WELL THEN!

Zagreb take an early lead in west London, pretty much with their first visit into the Chelsea half.

Cross swung in, visitors have numbers at the back post and it’s nodded back into the six-yard box. Petkovic completely free, header too powerful for Mendy.

20:06 , Matt Verri

5 mins: Chelsea with pretty much all of the ball, Zagreb fans making all the noise. We’ll call it 1-1.

Blues confident enough in possession in midfield and at the back, haven’t done anything with it yet though.

20:04 , Matt Verri

3 mins: Zakaria strong on the ball as he gets his first touch, wins a free-kick as he’s dragged back.

Peric goes flying in on Azpilicueta, has come out of it worse though and looks to have hurt his hand somehow. Should be fine to continue.

KICK-OFF!

20:01 , Matt Verri

Up and running at Stamford Bridge.

Nizaar Kinsella at Stamford Bridge

19:59 , Matt Verri

Chelsea’s PA doesn’t seem to be working properly so you can barely hear the Champions League music. I can only hear Dinamo Zagreb fans really.

Here we go...

19:57 , Matt Verri

Players are out onto the pitch, met with some truly miserable weather.

Away fans have travelled in decent numbers and they’re going to enjoy tonight whatever happens!

Not long now!

19:52 , Matt Verri

Rain hammering down in west London throughout the warm-ups, not a particularly pleasing night it’s fair to say.

Players will be taking every possible second they can inside, before strolling out very soon!

Zagreb with something to play for

19:46 , Matt Verri

Reminder that the visitors have no choice but to go for it tonight.

Zagreb need to win and also hope Milan beat Salzburg in the other match in the group. If both of those results happen, it will be Europa League football for Zagreb.

Need to bounce back...

19:40 , Matt Verri

Potter: Process of pain is necessary

19:31 , Matt Verri

Graham Potter believes that Chelsea have to suffer “pain” before they can become the team that they want to be.

It follows the Blues’s shock 4-1 defeat away at Potter’s former club Brighton which ended a nine-game unbeaten run under the new manager.

“It’s a case of analysing the game, being calm, being fair,” Potter told reporters at the Amex Stadium. “It’s not about the players necessarily. It’s about all of us, it’s collective, including myself. How we can do better.

“It’s not a disgrace to lose here. You can see that the opponent was very motivated. And they have got some really good players, with quality. We got off to a really bad start.”

He added: “That team you saw out there for Brighton wasn’t the team that was there three years ago. There is a process of pain that you have to go through and you have to keep trying to improve.”

Nizaar Kinsella at Stamford Bridge

19:24 , Matt Verri

Graham Potter is surprisingly only resting Thiago Silva, who has looked tired of late but clearly wants his side to get the win ahead of a tough run of matches.

However, his decision to not even give youth players substitute roles won’t go down well with the fan base.

Zakaria gets his opportunity

19:18 , Matt Verri

As mentioned earlier, Zakaria makes his first Chelsea appearance at last - it’s a chance he’s had to wait for.

“I believe in myself 100 per cent,” he told Standard Sport earlier this season. “I am waiting for my moment and I want to prove I can play in this team. I want to help this team to win and win trophies.

“If you don’t do good, you don’t have the chance to stay. Chelsea is a big club and if you’re not good enough, you can’t stay. I am here to prove that I deserve to be here, that I am a good player and I can help the team.”

Read our full interview with Zakaria here

Dead rubber? What dead rubber?

19:11 , Matt Verri

Nizaar Kinsella at Stamford Bridge

19:03 , Matt Verri

It’s pretty clear Graham Potter wants to go as strong as possible to keep the good feeling and match rhythm in the squad. Tough tests vs Arsenal, Man City and Newcastle up next.

I am sure Salzburg will also be celebrating the Chelsea line up with Europa League football on the line.

Strong from Potter as expected

18:56 , Matt Verri

It’s a strong Chelsea lineup as we suspected it would be. Aubameyang, Mount, Jorginho and Azpilicueta among those to start, while Mendy gets his chance in goal in the absence of Kepa.

Zakaria makes his long-awaited debut in midfield, with Kovacic not involved in the squad. Looks to be Sterling at right wing-back, with Chilwell on the opposite flank.

Dinamo Zagreb team news

18:48 , Matt Verri

Starting XI: Livakovic, Ristovski, Josip Sutalo, Peric, Misic, Moharrami, Ivanusec, Ademi, Ljubicic, Petkovic, Orsic

Subs: Stefulj, Lauritsen, Baturina, Emreli, Bockaj, Drmic, Marin, Theophile-Catherine, Bulat, Nevistic, Menalo, Spikic

Chelsea team news

18:45 , Matt Verri

Starting XI: Mendy, Azpilicueta, Koulibaly, Chalobah, Sterling, Jorginho, Zakaria, Chilwell, Mount, Havertz, Aubameyang

Subs: Bettinelli, Silva, Pulisic, Loftus-Cheek, Broja, Ziyech, Gallagher, Cucurella

Chelsea have arrived!

18:41 , Matt Verri

Big night for Chilwell

18:35 , Matt Verri

Ben Chilwell is losing his battle to convince Gareth Southgate he deserves a starting spot at the World Cup.

The Chelsea defender has made just one start in four matches and has had to watch Graham Potter start Raheem Sterling at left wing-back in their last two games.

Chilwell is set to come back into the team tonight, but he is running out of time to prove his form ahead of Qatar.

With 19 days until England kick-off against Iran, Luke Shaw and Kieran Trippier are back to the top of their games at Manchester United and Newcastle.

Read more on that here

Chelsea to go all the way?

18:27 , Matt Verri

No surprise that Manchester City are favourites to finally win their Champions League this season, with Bayern Munich and PSG behind them in the market.

Liverpool fourth-favourites despite their very patchy form this season - not a huge amount of love for Chelsea.

Champions League winner latest odds:

Man City: 9/5

Bayern Munich: 5/1

PSG: 13/2

Liverpool: 7/1

Real Madrid: 10/1

Chelsea: 12/1

Napoli: 12/1

Tottenham: 16/1

Via Betfair.

Always time for a bit of sightseeing...

18:21 , Matt Verri

Zakaria to make debut?

18:13 , Matt Verri

Graham Potter has hinted that Chelsea are finally ready to offer summer signing Denis Zakaria his debut tonight.

The midfielder signed on a season-long loan from Juventus on deadline day with an option to buy included at £26million. However, despite making the bench numerous times, the Switzerland international hasn’t made a single appearance so far.

“He has been really good,” Potter told reporters on Tuesday. “He’s trained well and has been supporting his team-mates. He’s disappointed not to play like anybody is but up until the weekend the results have been positive and with the performances.

“We’re trying to take steps. He’s in the frame for tomorrow. He is in the squad. He is available for selection so we will wait and see.”

The situation is further complicated by FIFA rules because Zakaria is only allowed to play official matches for two teams in a season. If he features tonight, he must complete the season with either the Blues or his parent club and will be unable to find another loan option in January.

Read the full story on that here

Stamford Bridge ready under the lights!

18:06 , Matt Verri

Prediction

18:02 , Matt Verri

Chelsea haven’t exactly looked totally convincing in recent games, though will surely have too much for their visitors, having improved so much since their last meeting.

Chelsea to win 2-1.

Zagreb team news

17:55 , Matt Verri

Zagreb, meanwhile, will be without both Josip Sutalo and Bosko Sutalo, although Bruno Petkovic and Arijan Ademi will likely feature.

The visitors have to win tonight and need Milan to beat RB Salzburg if they are to finish third in the group and secure a place in the Europa League.

Chelsea team news

17:47 , Matt Verri

Edouard Mendy will be welcomed back to tonight’s Chelsea stating line-up for the Champions League clash with Dinamo Zagreb.

The Blues have been using Kepa Arrizabalaga as the No1 goalkeeper in recent weeks but a foot injury will see him out for several days.

Graham Potter has confirmed that Kalidou Koulibaly will return after a fortnight on the sidelines with a minor knee injury.

Mateo Kovacic is doubtful as the club manages tightness in his calf and Carney Chukwuemeka was seen training alone in Tuesday’s open session despite not being named as an injury concern.

Potter played down the option of starting his academy youngsters despite qualifcation already being secured.

Predicted Chelsea XI (4-2-2-2): Mendy; Azpilicueta, Chalobah, Koulibaly, Chilwell; Zakaria, Loftus-Cheek; Ziyech, Pulisic; Aubameyang, Broja

How to watch Chelsea vs Dinamo Zagreb

17:40 , Matt Verri

TV channel: The game will be broadcast on BT Sport 2 and Ultimate, with coverage starting at 7pm.

Live stream: BT Sport subscribers will be able to access a live stream via either the BT Sport website or app.

LIVE blog: Follow all of the action right here, with Nizaar Kinsella providing expert analysis from the ground.

Good evening!

17:31 , Matt Verri

Hello and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Chelsea vs Dinamo Zagreb!

It’s the final night of the Champions League group stage and the work is alreadyd one for Chelsea, with top spot in the group already secured ahead of tonight’s match. The Blues will be looking to finish strong though, particularly after their heavy defeat to Brighton.

We’ll have all the latest build-up and team news ahead of kick-off, which comes at 8pm GMT from Stamford Bridge.