Chelsea conceded a late equaliser to draw 3-3 with Zenit Saint Petersburg and ruin their hopes of topping Group H on Wednesday night, with Juventus’ victory over Malmo consigning them to second place and a likely tougher draw in the last 16.
The Blues made a lightning fast start and were ahead within 90 seconds when a Ross Barkley corner was flicked on by Andreas Christensen and into the path of Timo Werner, who tapped in on the line.
However, Chelsea’s levels dropped soon after and though Mason Mount had an opportunity to double their lead, Zenit clawed back level when the dangerous Claudinho flicked in an excellent Douglas Santos cross.
Barely minutes later the hosts took the lead as Chelsea’s defence parted in uncharacteristic fashion, allowing Sardar Azmoun to race through on goal, round Kepa Arrizabalaga and slotted into an empty net.
Thomas Tuchel’s side managed to draw level in the second half courtesy of a lovely team move that culminated in Werner getting in behind Zenit’s backline to square for Romelu Lukaku to make it 2-2.
The visitors looked like they had stolen all three points when Werner grabbed his second. The German created space for himself in the box from substitute Christian Pulisic’s pass to smash in his second and his side’s third.
However, Zenit grabbed a deserved point when Magomed Ozdoev smacked in a glorious half-volley from the edge of the box in stoppage time.The result means Chelsea go through as runners up, meaning they will face a group winner in the last 16 – the draw will take place on Monday.
