As it happenedended

PAOK vs Chelsea – as it happened: Willian strike gets Blues off to winning start

Re-live the action from the Group L match in Thessaloniki

Thursday 20 September 2018 11:56 BST

PAOK v Chelsea: Europa League match preview

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Chelsea head to Greece's second city to face PAOK without Eden Hazard after Maurizio Sarri granted the in-form Belgian a rest.

Hazard has been in scintillating form for the Blues at the start of the Premier League campaign but told his manager he was tired and needed a break. David Luiz has also been excused from the trip.

PAOK finished second in the Greek last season, behind AEK Athens, and venture into the Europa League for the seventh time. They have never made it beyond the last 32 but boast a unbeaten record against English clubs from four games, with a win and a draw against Arsenal (in 1997-98) and Tottenham Hotspur (in 2011-12).

Follow the match below with our live blog:

What time does it start?

The match kicks off at 5.55pm BST.

Where can I watch it?

The game will be televised live on BT Sport.

What are the odds?

Chelsea win 4/7

Draw 3/1

PAOK win 11/2

86 mins: PAOK 0 - 1 Chelsea

Biseswar gets the ball in Chelsea's area he moves it onto his right and takes a shot but Arrizabalaga saves it easily. He kicks it up field where Giroud controls it well and takes a shot. It's another chance that goes begging for Chelsea.

Michael Jones20 September 2018 19:38

89 mins: PAOK 0 - 1 Chelsea

Chelsea win a free kick and Fabregas stands over it, he feints and gives it to Azpilicueta, the ball comes back to Chelsea's defence before Barkley takes it forward. They lose the ball PAOK win a free kick in Chelsea's half.

Michael Jones20 September 2018 19:41

90 mins: PAOK 0 - 1 Chelsea

There are 3 minutes to be added on. Biseswar stands over the ball and sends it wide, it's a waste and Chelsea counter with Kante. He finds Pedro running into the box but Pedro's first touch is poor and he clashes with Paschalakis as PAOK's goalkeeper comes and claims the ball.

Michael Jones20 September 2018 19:44

PAOK 0 - 1 Chelsea

Chelsea have a free kick on the edge of the box from when Pedro went down, he gingerly moved off the pitch clutching his shoulder, and Chelsea finished the match with 10 men. Giroud took the free kick and fired it over the bar.

Chelsea claim the points with a 1-0 win in a match they dominated from start to finish.

Michael Jones20 September 2018 19:48

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