Chelsea have moved a step closer to qualification from Group G of the Champions League with a 4-0 thrashing of Maccabi Tel Aviv this evening.
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Maccabi started the brighter of the two sides, with Dor Peretz and Eli Dasa both missing early opportunities to take the lead, before the visitors settled into the game.
Chelsea came close to taking the lead when Oscar teed up Cesar Azpilicueta following a one-two, but the defender dragged his effort narrowly wide, while Cesc Fabregas saw an effort from distance go well over the bar.
Jose Mourinho's side took a deserved lead on 20 minutes through Gary Cahill, who rose highest at a Willian corner to head straight at Maccabi Tel Aviv keeper Predrag Rajkovic, only for the England centre-back to hit the rebound into the net.
Maccabi were reduced to 10 men on 40 minutes when former Chelsea defender Tal Ben Haim I kicked out at Diego Costa following a tackle.
After the break the hosts looked the more threatening despite their man disadvantage, and could have found a shock equaliser on 50 minutes when Gal Alberman released Dasa, only for Chelsea goalkeeper Asmir Begovic to intercept the attack.
Chelsea settled back into the match as the half went on, and forced two saves from Rajkovic after the hour mark when Eden Hazard tested the keeper with an effort in the corner, before Baba Rahman picked out Azpilicueta in the box, only for the full-back to be denied by the Serbian.
Maccabi made a rare foray forwards moments later, as Avi Rikan found Eran Zahavi inside the Chelsea box, but the forward was denied by a Begovic save in the top left corner.
The visitors were awarded a free kick on 70 minutes when Alberman brought down Willian in a good position. The Brazilian midfielder took the set piece, and netted his sixth direct free kick of the season.
Chelsea added a third goal seven minutes later when Rahman swung an inviting cross towards Oscar, who connected with a simple header.
The Premier League champions wrapped up the victory in added time, as Kurt Zouma headed past Rajkovic from an Oscar corner, keeping qualification to the knockout stages firmly in Chelsea's hands.
Stephen Topping
