Champions League

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Champions League | Group Stage

Oct 25, 2022 at 5.45pm UK

Red Bull Arena

Salzburg
1 - 2
Chelsea

Adamu (48')
Sucic (47')

FT(HT: 0-1)

Kovacic (23'), Havertz (64')
Gallagher (85'), Arrizabalaga (90+2')

Graham Potter left impressed as Chelsea beat Red Bull Salzburg in Champions League

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 25 October 2022

Graham Potter admits that he was left impressed with the quality of Chelsea's performance during the 2-1 victory at Red Bull Salzburg in the Champions League.

Head coach Graham Potter was full of praise for his Chelsea side as they recorded a 2-1 victory over Red Bull Salzburg in the Champions League.

Chelsea made the trip to Austria knowing that recording all three points against Group E's only unbeaten team would secure their place in the last 16.

Although the Blues did not have it their own way against opposition who had previously not lost in 40 successive home matches, they produced their best football since Potter's arrival at the start of last month.

Mateo Kovacic put the Premier League giants ahead with an instinctive left-footed finish into the far corner from 16 yards, a goal which was cancelled out soon after the restart by Junior Adamu.

Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic celebrates scoring against Red Bull Salzburg on October 25, 2022. © Reuters

However, as chances continued to be created at both ends, Kai Havertz curled a sensational effort into the top corner off the underside of the crossbar, a moment of brilliance which ultimately proved pivotal.

While Potter acknowledged that the game had been as testing as he had anticipated, the Englishman was full of praise for the performance of his team.

Speaking to reporters at a press conference, Potter said: "It's not easy to win here, you can see that from the record they have. I thought we performed really well and had some good chances in the first half.

"We were unlucky not to be more than 1-0 up and then one action at this level, and we're 1-1. The response was really good and to go through with a game to spare is really pleasing."

Chelsea celebrate Kai Havertz's goal against Red Bull Salzburg on October 25, 2022. © Reuters

Potter was also pressed on the standard of Chelsea's football during the first half, the former Brighton & Hove Albion boss hoping that it was a sign of things to come ahead of the break for the World Cup.

He added: "It's not easy to create chances against this team but we did, we created good chances from good play.

"We've had a lot of games and disruption in terms of key players missing, but they've responded really well and to go through in the Champions League, it's a fantastic effort. We will take steps, tonight was one of those."

Chelsea have now put together a nine-match unbeaten streak since Potter's arrival, and next face his ex-employers Brighton in the Premier League on Saturday.