Football news - Chelsea take narrow lead back to Stamford Bridge after win in Malmo

Goals from Ross Barkley and Olivier Giroud helped Chelsea return to winning ways with a 2-1 first-leg win at Malmo in the Europa League last 32.

After suffering their worst defeat in 28 years at Manchester City on Sunday, Chelsea responded to the 6-0 drubbing with a clinical enough display in Sweden for their first away win of 2019.

Barkley scored his first European goal before the break, while Olivier Giroud flicked in the second just before the hour-mark, as Chelsea converted their first two attempts on target.

However, just as Chelsea pushed for a third, Anders Christiansen struck to give Malmo hope going into the return leg at Stamford Bridge next week.

Chelsea get the job done, just – This match was all about Chelsea coming away without any further scars after a difficult period for Maurizio Sarri’s side – and they did so, just about. The return leg next week is sandwiched between an FA Cup encounter against Manchester Untied and the League Cup final against Manchester City, and with a big 10 days to come, the Blues will be happy to come away with two away goals and only a brief cameo for Eden Hazard. Gonzalo Higuain, meanwhile, remained on the bench.

Cesar Azpilicueta –Captain Azpilicueta made vital interceptions at the back and looked a constant threat going forward. He led by example although the visitors will leave Sweden after conceding with 10 minutes to go.

Malmo: Dahlin 6, Antonsson 6, Bachirou 6, Bengtsson 6, Nielsen 6, Rieks 7, Rosenberg 7, Safari 6, Christiansen 7, Traustason 7, Vindheim 6. Subs: Standberg 6, Lewicki 6, Gall N/A.

Chelsea: Kepa 6, Azpilicueta 7, Christensen 6, Luiz 6, Emerson 6, Jorginho 6, Kovacic 6, Barkley 7, Willian 7, Giroud 7, Pedro 6. Subs: Hazard 6, Kante 6, Hudson-Odoi N/A.

30’ - GOAL! CHELSEA TAKE THE LEAD! And it's Barkley who breaks the deadlock on the half-hour mark in Sweden, as he manages to get the ball out from under his feet before poking it home following Pedro's cross.

39’ - CHANCES! Malmo upping the ante - a free-kick comes in and Luiz makes a vital block before Barkley heads away a follow-up shot. A corner then comes in and Vindheim sees a shot blocked before Traustason scuffs a shot wide!

55’ - CLOSE! Malmo knocking on the door - after Azpilicueta turns it behind for a corner, the ball falls for Traustason on the edge of the area, and his strike is goalbound but headed just wide by Luiz.

58’ - GOAL FOR CHELSEA! Oh behave Olivier... It's a devastating counter from Chelsea as Willian takes it to the byline before sending in a low cross which Giroud coolly flicks in.

67’ - BIG SAVE! Almost 3-0, but Dahlin does brilliantly to tip over Barkley's effort from basically the penalty spot.

80’ - GOAL FOR MALMO! Well then, Malmo are back in the tie. Christiansen converts after the hosts counter to great effect, slotting it past Kepa after a fine pass from Rosenberg.