Chelsea have recorded a 2-0 victory over Lille in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie at Stamford Bridge.
A well-taken header from Kai Havertz set the ball rolling for the defending European champions before Christian Pulisic finished off a team move shortly after the hour mark.
Although away goals no longer count, Thomas Tuchel's side will travel to Stade Pierre Mauroy in three weeks' time with one foot in the quarter-finals.
Havertz could, and probably should, have scored before his opener, with a close-range effort from a Cesar Azpilicueta cross being diverted over the crossbar before a curling effort from inside the area was turned behind by Leo Jardim.
From the resulting corner, Havertz cleverly timed his run to meet Hakim Ziyech's delivery, seeing a downward header bounce into the top corner of the net.
While the Blues posed the greater threat during the opening 45 minutes, Lille built up their own pressure without being able to test goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
Chelsea were dealt a double blow shortly after half time as Mateo Kovacic and Ziyech both sustained injuries which put their participation in Sunday's EFL Cup final in significant doubt.
However, Chelsea were still able to extend their lead shortly after the hour mark with a surging run from N'Golo Kante being rounded off by Pulisic, who clipped the ball into the far corner from eight yards.
Chances were few and far between during the closing quarter of the contest, but that scenario suited Chelsea as they comfortably held on to their lead.
Darren Plant
