Caicedo goal breaks down stubborn Pafos defence

Chelsea boost their chances of a Champions League top-eight finish

UEFA Champions League - Chelsea v Pafos - Stamford Bridge, London, Britain - Jan 21, 2026 Chelsea's Moises Caicedo scores their first goal Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra

Chelsea boosted their chances of a Champions League top-eight finish on Wednesday when Moises Caicedo headed home from a corner in the 78th minute to finally break down a stubborn Pafos defence.The London side moved up to eighth in the table on goal difference with one match to go -- a tough away game at Napoli.

Chelsea enjoyed more than 70% possession against Pafos, who defended resolutely and were backed by Dutch goalkeeper Jay Gorter who pulled off a series of fine saves, including three earlier bullet attempts from Ecuadorian midfielder Caicedo.

Caicedo's goal from a Pedro Neto corner finally broke the deadlock, earning Chelsea the chance to go straight through to the knockout rounds of the Champions League.