Chelsea have booked their place in the Europa League final with a penalty-shootout win over Eintracht Frankfurt at Stamford Bridge on Thursday night.
The two teams went into the game locked at 1-1 on aggregate, and goals from Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Luka Jovic meant that spot kicks were decided to determine who would join Arsenal in the final.
Chelsea went behind courtesy of a miss from Cesar Azpilicueta, but Kepa Arrizabalaga made two successive saves before Eden Hazard netted the decisive kick.
Find out how all of the action unfolded in West London courtesy of Sports Mole's minute-by-minute updates below.
Hello and welcome to Sports Mole's live coverage of the match in the Europa League between Chelsea and Eintracht Frankfurt. The two teams are currently locked at 1-1 ahead of the second leg of this semi-final tie, but who will move onto the final in Baku later this month. The two teams are making their way out in West London, so let's see who features in each starting lineup...
CHELSEA XI: Arrizabalaga; Azpilicueta, Christensen, Luiz, Palmieri; Kovacic, Jorginho, Loftus-Cheek; Willian, Giroud, Hazard
CHELSEA SUBSTITUTES: Caballero, Zappacosta, Alonso, Cahill, Barkley, Pedro, Higuain
EINTRACHT FRANKFURT XI: Trapp; Abraham, Hintelegger, Falette; Da Costa, Rode, Hasebe, Kostic; Gacinovic; Rebic, Jovic
EINTRACHT FRANKFURT SUBSTITUTES: Ronnow, Ndicka, Fernandes, De Guzman, Haller, Chandler, Paciencia
KICKOFF: Chelsea get us underway!
Both teams have had spells on the ball during these early stages, but it is Frankfurt who have the first chance to score having earned a corner.
SHOT! The corner into the box finds Jovic waiting by the penalty spot, but the Serbian's header lacks power and is comfortably saved by Arrizabalaga.
Chelsea have had a lot of the ball since that corner. However, the Blues aren't in any rush to push forward at this stage.
There is no doubt that there are a few nerves in the Chelsea side. They are placing a big emphasis on not conceding possession rather than looking for an early goal. Frankfurt are happy to sit deep when they don't have the ball.
Nearly a chance for Chelsea. Jorginho attempts to pick out the run of Hazard over the top of the Frankfurt backline, but the Belgian is unable to bring the ball down 25 yards from goal.
Willian gets down the right and the Brazilian's cross is flicked towards the back post by Giroud. Loftus-Cheek looks ready to tap home from close range, but Da Costa collides with the Englishman. For some reason, the referee says no penalty.
SAVE! Frankfurt almost go in front. Jovic gets the better of Luiz down the left before crossing for Da Costa. The wing-back decides to send a first-time volley from 15 yards towards goal, and Arrizabalaga is required to make a tremendous save to prevent the ball from finding the top corner.
LATEST! There have already been two goals in the game between Valencia and Arsenal, and it is 1-1. That scoreline suits Arsenal, who have cancelled out Valencia's away goal last week. Click here to follow updates from that game.
It remains an even start at Stamford Bridge. Frankfurt have created the better opportunities, but Chelsea look a major threat when they up the pace in the final third.
Not a lot has happened since that Da Costa volley. Chelsea are really conservative, although it is pretty similar to their start last Thursday.
It takes a burst down the left from Luiz to liven up Chelsea. The centre-back's is a good one, but Willian cannot make connection in front of the defender at the back post.
CHANCE! Much better from Chelsea. Palmieri's low cross from the byline finds the run of Giroud, who forces a timely block out of Trapp at the near post.
OFF THE LINE! An inswinging free kick from Willian picks out the run of Luiz at the near post, but the defender's glancing header is cleared off the line! Chelsea have gone up about three gears over the past few minutes.
Chelsea had periods like this in Germany, but they failed to make them count. That needs to change this evening because Frankfurt themselves have stepped it up a notch.
GOAL! CHELSEA 1-0 EINTRACHT FRANKFURT (RUBEN LOFTUS-CHEEK)
© Reuters
GOAL! Chelsea have their goal! Hazard runs rings around the Frankfurt defenders on the left before threading a ball through to Loftus-Cheek. The midfielder is able to take his time before attempting to find the far corner, and the Englishman is successful in sliding a shot past Trapp.
That goal is unlikely to change Frankfurt's approach. They are still very much in this game with an hour remaining.
Chelsea win a free kick in the Frankfurt half of the pitch, and it gives the Blues another chance to create an opening. They are looking really sharp in the final third. That wasn't the case earlier.
Azpilicueta and Willian work a promising position down the right, but the latter attempts to pull a difficult return pass. Willian was offside as well.
Back come Frankfurt who create a chance for Jovic on the edge of the area, but Luiz stays big to make a crucial block from the forward.
It's worth pointing out that Kovacic have performed well this evening. The Croatian normally plays cautiously in the middle of the park, but he is relishing the chance to bomb forward in place of Kante.
YELLOW CARD! Falette goes into the book for a studs-up challenge down the back of Willian's Achilles. The Brazilian is furious, and rightly so. Easy decision for the referee.
Chelsea launch a swift counter from the edge of their own area, and only a timely challenge on Loftus-Cheek inside the area prevents Chelsea from doubling their advantage.
Just the three minutes to go until half time, and you would think that both teams are ready to wind down ahead of the break. The next goal in this match is massive.
More of the same from both sides. The Frankfurt fans are making a lot of noise in the corner of Stamford Bridge, but there is not a great deal happening on the pitch.
HALF TIME: Chelsea 1-0 Eintracht Frankfurt
The half-time whistle goes at Stamford Bridge and Chelsea lead thanks to Loftus-Cheek's well-taken goal. Both teams have had other opportunities, but this game is still to burst into life. That will suit the Blues, however.
A quick reminder of the two benches...
CHELSEA SUBSTITUTES: Caballero, Zappacosta, Alonso, Cahill, Barkley, Pedro, Higuain
EINTRACHT FRANKFURT SUBSTITUTES: Ronnow, Ndicka, Fernandes, De Guzman, Haller, Chandler, Paciencia
It has remained 1-1 between Valencia and Arsenal at The Mestalla. The home side need at least two goals in order to keep their hopes alive. Click here to follow the second half of that fixture.
KICKOFF: Frankfurt get us back underway.
It has been a relatively quiet start to the second half, although you have to say that Frankfurt are posing the bigger threat going forward.
GOAL! CHELSEA 1-1 EINTRACHT FRANKFURT (LUKA JOVIC)
© Reuters
GOAL! Frankfurt are back on level terms on the night and in the tie. Jovic plays a one-two with a teammate and it leads to the Serbian being left on-one-one with Arrizabalaga, and the Serbian has the relatively simple task of firing into the bottom corner from 10 yards.
CHANCE! Chelsea go up the other end with Hazard and Giroud again linking up. The latter is provided with the chance to find the far corner from 18 yards out, but the Frenchman sends his effort wide.
YELLOW CARD! Kovacic goes into the book for a late sliding challenge on Falette.
Chelsea are very much second best now. They know the consequences of conceding a second goal. Still, they are prepared to push forward when they do have the ball.
The home side are having more success when they take the direct approach. There are times when Frankfurt are open behind both wing-back positions, but Chelsea are not using that avenue enough.
Frankfurt began to tire at this stage last week, but there is no sign of that this evening. Their travelling support have been fantastic, and it is spurring on the visitors.
SHOT! Frankfurt remain on the offensive and Gacinovic's volley from distance needs to be punched away by Arrizabalaga.
SUBSTITUTION! Chelsea make their first change and it is Pedro who is coming on for Willian.
Chelsea are all over the place at the back. It is only matter of time before Frankfurt get another goal here. There are similarities to how Chelsea performed in the second leg against Slavia Prague.
The Blues don't really have many options to change their strategy. Sarri would usually introduced Kovacic, but the Croatian is already on the pitch.
The longer that this second half progresses, the shorter amount of time that Chelsea will have to score two goals if Frankfurt net a second. I don't think it will be long before we see Higuain.
Frankfurt are temporarily down to 10 men while Rode receives some treatment. However, the midfielder looks done for the night. It's not the worst thing for the visitors because the German had a yellow card to his name.
SUBSTITUTION! Former Swansea City man De Guzman is the player to replace Rode.
Christensen has suffered what appears to be a knee injury, and it would seem an obvious decision to introduce Cahill. However, Sarri is going with Zappacosta...
SUBSTITUTION! The change is made and on comes the Italian. Azpilicueta goes to centre-back.
Chelsea are creating very little going forward, and Sarri is down to just the one change. That will surely have to be Higuain. Frankfurt remain in a strong position here.
SHOT! Much better from the Blues who create a chance for Zappacosta around 25 yards out. The Italian's low strike has a bit of swerve on it, but Trapp just about does enough to keep the ball out.
Just the 10 minutes to go now. I don't think Chelsea are capable of netting twice in these closing stages, so they simply cannot concede. Frankfurt still have two alterations up their sleeve.
YELLOW CARD! Azpilicueta deservedly goes into the book for a late challenge on Gacinovic.
Azpilicueta makes a second needless foul in the space of a minute, and Frankfurt have a free kick around 30 yards from goal.
De Guzman's strike goes into the wall, and Chelsea survive for now. Sarri is readying his final change. It's not Higuain...
SUBSTITUTION! Barkley is being introduced for Loftus-Cheek. The Chelsea fans boo the decision.
SHOT! Giroud decides to try his luck on the turn around 20 yards out, but Trapp makes a solid save down to his left before claiming the ball at the second time of asking.
YELLOW CARD! Abraham is booked for a cynical block on Hazard. There will be five minutes of added-on time.
YELLOW CARD! De Guzman follows him into the book for a nasty tackle on Hazard.
SUBSTITUTION! Frankfurt makes their second switch as Haller comes on for Rebic.
Frankfurt win a late corner. It should be time up, but the referee is letting Frankfurt take it...
FULL TIME: Chelsea 1-1 Eintracht Frankfurt
The full-time whistle goes at Stamford Bridge and we are heading to extra-time. It is probably a fair outcome after an even contest, but Frankfurt are the favourites to progress given their ability to net a second away goal.
KICKOFF: Frankfurt get us back underway.
SHOT! Frankfurt have had the better of these opening stages, but Barkley almost manages to find the top corner with a curler from 30 yards out.
CHANCE! Another opening for Chelsea. A corner from the right finds Azpilicueta but the defender - under pressure from a defender - volleys over from 10 yards out.
SUBSTITUTION! Each team are now allowed up to four changes, and Chelsea act by introducing Higuain for Giroud.
Chelsea are showing much more ambition than I expected during extra-time. The home side have wasted a couple of openings since our last update, but Frankfurt remain a threat on the counter.
OFF THE LINE! Frankfurt go agonisingly close! Haller should score from close range at the back post after meeting a cross, but his scuffed effort is dramatically cleared off the line by Luiz.
Chelsea remain undeterred and continue to push forward. It's admirable from Sarri's men. However, there are a few tired legs out there.
Barkley is playing like a man possessed given his fresher legs. He's making an impact, but his end product has been poor.
There will be one minute of added-on time.
OFF THE LINE! Haller aims for the far corner as seven minutes earlier, but Zappacosta also gets back to clear his header off the line!
HALF TIME IN EXTRA TIME: Chelsea 1-1 Eintracht Frankfurt
KICKOFF: Chelsea get us back underway.
Both teams are still giving everything going forward. It doesn't feel like either side want penalties. Chelsea have already lost one shootout this season, but they did defeat Tottenham Hotspur in the EFL Cup semi-finals.
Chelsea manage to win a corner on the right, but Frankfurt comfortably do enough to defend the danger. Ten minutes to go.
SHOT! Palmieri storms down the left and advances into the penalty area. The full-back decides to take the shot on himself, but Trapp makes a smart stop to his left.
Palmieri and Hintelegger came away with knocks after a superb last-ditch challenge from the latter, but both men are back on their feet.
SHOT! Zappacosta tries a speculative strike from distance, and it needs Trapp to tip the ball over the crossbar. Are Chelsea going to knock on the door during these final five minutes?
DISALLOWED GOAL! Chelsea have the ball in the back of the net, but Azpilicueta is deemed to have committed a foul to force it out of Trapp's hands. Fair decision.
SUBSTITUTION! Frankfurt make another change with Paciencia replacing Gacinovic.
There will be two minutes of added-on time. Frankfurt have a free kick by the halfway line.
FULL TIME: Chelsea 1-1 Eintracht Frankfurt
It's off to penalties we go...
CHELSEA *0-1 EINTRACHT FRANKFURT - HALLER SCORES! Frankfurt take the lead as Haller sends Azpilicueta the wrong way with a low penalty.
CHELSEA 1-1* EINTRACHT FRANKFURT - BARKLEY SCORES! Trapp goes the same way as Barkley's penalty, but the Englishman's spot kick has too much power.
CHELSEA 1-2* EINTRACHT FRANKFURT - JOVIC SCORES! Jovic goes the same way as Haller, and Arrizabalaga is just unable to get a touch to the ball.
CHELSEA *1-2 EINTRACHT FRANKFURT - AZPILICUETA MISSES! Trapp goes to his left to save from Azpilicueta!
CHELSEA *1-3 EINTRACHT FRANKFURT - DE GUZMAN SCORES! De Guzman calmly slots the ball to his left.
CHELSEA 2-3* EINTRACHT FRANKFURT - JORGINHO SCORES! Jorginho goes through his usual routine and wastes for the goalkeeper to move. It works.
CHELSEA *2-3 EINTRACHT FRANKFURT - HINTELEGGER MISSES! Hintelegger misses! He went for power down the middle but Arrizabalaga remains where he was to save with his legs.
CHELSEA 3-3* EINTRACHT FRANKFURT - LUIZ SCORES! Luiz runs up and fires the ball into the corner, with Trapp going the other way.
CHELSEA *3-3 EINTRACHT FRANKFURT - PACIENCIA MISSES Arrizabalaga now saves from Paciencia, diving to his right to parry the ball away! Chelsea can win it here...
CHELSEA 4-3 EINTRACHT FRANKFURT - HAZARD SCORES! Hazard sends Trapp the wrong way and Chelsea are through to the Europa League final!
What a night for English football in Europe! Chelsea looked down and out in that penalty shootout, but Arrizabalaga has made up for his petulance in the EFL Cup final to take his side through to a showdown with Arsenal in the Europa League.
That will be all from Sports Mole for this match. Thank you for joining us and we hope to see you again soon.
If you would like to read our on-the-whistle match report, you can do so by clicking here. Goodbye for now.
Written by
Darren Plant
Darren Plant
