Chelsea vs AC Milan LIVE: Champions League result, final score and reaction tonight

A significant win for Chelsea, but from a match that was nothing like the sort of grand Champions League encounter anticipated.

Graham Potter’s first season in the competition now looks that much more forgiving, and not just because he finally got that first victory in his second game and the club’s third this season. It was how easily that 3-0 win came or the fact they already go ahead of AC Milan. The Italian champions are supposed to be Chelsea’s biggest challenge, and a potentially huge obstacle in this group given how the English club have already dropped points to Dinamo Zagreb and Salzburg.

Except, this still isn’t Milan in the manner we imagined them. And this no longer looks the Chelsea of the last few weeks. Perhaps Conor Gallagher’s late winner against Crystal Palace released something. Perhaps it gave all the training ground work extra momentum. Perhaps it was down to how Milan are trying to work out a new place in the game. Either way, Chelsea were so much better than them. The contest should have been over by half-time, but it didn’t take too long after it for that to be the case. Potter’s side were able to cruise for the last half-hour.

Follow all the action from Stamford Bridge as Chelsea take on AC Milan:

Chelsea vs AC Milan

• Chelsea XI: Kepa; Fofana, Silva, Koulibaly; James, Kovacic, Loftus-Cheek, Chilwell; Mount, Sterling, Aubameyang

• Milan XI: Tatarusanu; Dest, Kalulu, Tomori, Ballo-Toure; Tonali, Bennacer; Krunic, De Ketelaere, Leao; Giroud

• GOAL! 23’ - Fofana scores from close range after Silva’s header is saved

• 32’ - Mount lobs Tatarusanu to find the net but he’s flagged offside

• GOAL! 55’ - Aubameyang adds a second from close range

• GOAL! 61’ - Reece James quickly adds a rifled third for the Blues

• Impressive Chelsea cruise to Champions League win over AC Milan

Chelsea FC 3 - 0 AC Milan

Chelsea up to second in Group E

22:07 , Karl Matchett

An important win and as long as they don’t suffer a big defeat next week, they’ll have a head-to-head advantage on Milan as well - a good night for Chelsea overall.

Group E standings:

1. Salzburg 5 pts

2. Chelsea 4 pts

3. Milan 4 pts

4. Dinamo 3 pts

Impressive Chelsea cruise to Champions League win over AC Milan

22:05 , Karl Matchett

A significant win for Chelsea, but from a match that was nothing like the sort of grand Champions League encounter anticipated.

Graham Potter’s first season in the competition now looks that much more forgiving, and not just because he finally got that first victory in his second game and the club’s third this season. It was how easily that 3-0 win came or the fact they already go ahead of AC Milan. The Italian champions are supposed to be Chelsea’s biggest challenge, and a potentially huge obstacle in this group given how the English club have already dropped points to Dinamo Zagreb and Salzburg.

Except, this still isn’t Milan in the manner we imagined them. And this no longer looks the Chelsea of the last few weeks.

Perhaps Conor Gallagher’s late winner against Crystal Palace released something. Perhaps it gave all the training ground work extra momentum. Perhaps it was down to how Milan are trying to work out a new place in the game.

Either way, Chelsea were so much better than them. The contest should have been over by half-time, but it didn’t take too long after it for that to be the case. Potter’s side were able to cruise for the last half-hour.

Miguel Delaney was at Stamford Bridge:

Impressive Chelsea cruise to Champions League win over AC Milan

Full time - Chelsea 3-0 AC Milan

21:54 , Karl Matchett

And there’s the whistle - a first victory in the Champions League for Graham Potter and a first group stage victory for Chelsea.

They move onto four points, level with this Milan side - who they face again, in the San Siro, next time out.

Salzburg are on five, Dinamo on three.

Still lots to play for in this group.

89’ - Chelsea 3-0 AC Milan

21:53 , Karl Matchett

Two minutes added on. Origi heads over at the near post. Milan never close to scoring tonight other than that wild miss from Krunic before half-time.

Chelsea very dominant after the first 15 minutes or so.

85’ - Chelsea 3-0 AC Milan

21:49 , Karl Matchett

Into the closing stages of the game. More possession for Milan now but it’s pointless possession, allowed by the hosts and going nowhere.

Koulibaly then breaks forward and Chilwell has the chance to cross, but turns back and ensures his side can continue to see out time.

78’ - Chelsea 3-0 AC Milan

21:43 , Karl Matchett

A cruise toward the finish line now for the hosts.

One or two of the late entrants might be hoping for a bit more goalmouth action but the tempo has dropped out of teh game since James’ strike. No surprise really, a very good job well done tonight for the Blues.

74’ - Chelsea 3-0 AC Milan

21:38 , Karl Matchett

The changes keep coming, for Chelsea now. Havertz on for Mount, Armando Broja on for Sterling.

Jorginho takes a kick but he looks fine to continue.

70’ - Chelsea 3-0 AC Milan

21:35 , Karl Matchett

Milan make their final three changes. Rebic and Gabbia came on for Krunic and De Ketelaere earlier; now it’s Brahim Diaz, Divock Origi and Tommaso Pobega for Leao, Giroud and Bennacer.

Silva is booked for a foul on Leao but the free-kick comes off Giroud and it’s out for a goal kick, before he’s replaced.

66’ - Chelsea 3-0 AC Milan

21:28 , Karl Matchett

Conor Gallagher and Jorginho on for Kovacic and Aubameyang. Changes now for both sides with this game over and done with. Milan have been really disappointing.

GOAL! 61’ - Chelsea 3-0 AC Milan

21:25 , Karl Matchett

Game over! Sterling picks up the loose ball, draws a defender and then releases Reece James - who runs in on goal and powers it high and hard past Tatarusanu.

No chance for the keeper, no organisation in the defence.

GOAL! 55’ - Chelsea 2-0 AC Milan

21:19 , Karl Matchett

And there’s the second, surely a killer!

James gets space on the right and delivers a low cross, Tomori can’t cut the ball out and Aubameyang is there to prod home from close range.

Too easy really.

50’ - Chelsea 1-0 AC Milan

21:18 , Karl Matchett

Low-key start to the second half with Chelsea looking the more dangerous once more. No clear openings in the first few minutes and Milan still lacking the intensity or athleticism to really cause problems on the break.

46’ - Chelsea 1-0 AC Milan

21:09 , Karl Matchett

Second half underway. No changes at the break and let’s see if Milan can be a bit more on the front foot in this half, or if Chelsea are going to get Potter a first-ever win in the Champions League.

45+4’ - Chelsea 1-0 AC Milan

20:52 , Karl Matchett

How has Krunic missed?! It should be all square - Leao bursts past three into the box, tees up De Ketelaere, his shot is blocked by Kepa and Krunic somehow spurns the rebound.

Chelsea clear the corner and we’re at the break, half time.

45+2’ - Chelsea 1-0 AC Milan

20:48 , Karl Matchett

Four minutes added on. Milan have yet to have a shot.

Sterling is suddenly in away behind the defence and looks for all the world as though he should slot home a second, but he can’t get it out of his feet in time for a clean finish and the defence crowd him out.

44’ - Chelsea 1-0 AC Milan

20:46 , Karl Matchett

Sterling does brilliantly to evade his man, with Bennacer then dragging him back. Tomori protests and Milan earn another yellow card.

Chalobah does well against Leao to stop him getting into the box. Almost at the break now.

40’ - Chelsea 1-0 AC Milan

20:43 , Karl Matchett

Chelsea turning up the heat on Milan heading towards the break. James clips over a cross which is cleared; Milan have barely been out of their own half for the past 20 minutes.

36’ - Chelsea 1-0 AC Milan

20:39 , Karl Matchett

Disappointment for Fofana as he departs the pitch injured, stemming from a challenge with Leao a while ago. Looks like a knee issue.

Trevoh Chalobah is coming on in his place.

32’ - Chelsea 1-0 AC Milan

20:35 , Karl Matchett

Mount thinks he’s in for a second goal and lobs it brilliantly over the keeper - but the offside flag is up. He was just a yard ahead of the defence as Sterling flicked a pass through.

28’ - Chelsea 1-0 AC Milan

20:30 , Karl Matchett

Elsewhere, Man City are a goal up - no prizes for guessing the scorer.

Chelsea bossing possession over the last few minutes and Kovacic has been driving them forward again - his pass is cut out, then Loftus-Cheek sends it out of play.

99 Champions League games for Thiago Silva tonight.

23’ - Chelsea 1-0 AC Milan

20:26 , Karl Matchett

Incredible stuff - for a third set-piece in a row Silva wins the header, Tatarusanu gets a parry on the ball but it’s back into the six-yard box, it bounces around between half a dozen players and Fofana keeps his cool to side-foot home and put Chelsea ahead.

Dismal defending from Milan from set plays.

22’ - Chelsea 0-0 AC Milan

20:25 , Karl Matchett

Totally free header for Thiago Silva after a set-piece - but Tatarusanu tips it over. From the next corner the former Milan man is again free and again heads at goal - Tomori deflects it wide.

18’ - Chelsea 0-0 AC Milan

20:20 , Karl Matchett

The home side struggling to find a high intensity to their game so far. Kovacic and Mount are the two trying to raise it so far but the latter has had a few wayward touches while he tries to make things happen.

Milan quite comfortable so far, but we’re early on still.

Tomori not really tested so far on his return to his former club.

14’ - Chelsea 0-0 AC Milan

20:17 , Karl Matchett

Almost 60% possession for Milan in the opening quarter of an hour. Sterling beats Tonali on the outside but runs the ball out of play. He wants a free-kick but there’s nothing doing.

Ballo-Toure is now booked too after a very late tackle on James which caught the Chelsea man high on the ankle.

10’ - Chelsea 0-0 AC Milan

20:13 , Karl Matchett

Krunic goes into the book early on for a lunging tackle on Loftus-Cheek. Not a good one either, miles away from the ball.

Leao gets into the Chelsea box and goes to ground but the ref says there’s no contact from Fofana, who makes a block and clears the danger.

6’ - Chelsea 0-0 AC Milan

20:08 , Karl Matchett

Mount curls a low strike toward the far post from range and Tatarusanu has to go full stretch to his left to tip it around the post.

In the earlier game, Salzburg beat Dinamo 1-0 so Chelsea are fourth on one point, behind Dinamo (3), Milan (4) and Salzburg (5).

2' - Chelsea 0-0 AC Milan

20:05 , Karl Matchett

Early possession for Milan, all in white tonight. Sterling has started right side for Chelsea. De Ketelaere is clattered by Koulibaly, his second foul already tonight.

Theo Hernandez is another absentee tonight for the Italians - the left-back is a huge outlet for them most weeks, so that’s a big miss.

KO - Chelsea 0-0 AC Milan

20:01 , Karl Matchett

A moment’s silence ahead of kick-off for the victims of the stadium disaster in Indonesia - well observed inside Stamford Bridge. Then we are ready for kick-off.

Chelsea vs AC Milan latest news

19:56 , Karl Matchett

Closing in on kick-off in what will be Graham Potter’s third match in charge. A draw in Europe and a late win domestically is his Chelsea record so far.

As for Milan, Stefano Pioli seemed on the verge of a departure not all that long ago...but a certain Ralf Rangnick failed to agree a deal to take over, Paolo Maldini stayed, so did Pioli and they ended up winning Serie A last season.

Can they get back to their former levels of greatness, though?

Chelsea vs AC Milan latest news

19:45 , Karl Matchett

Lots of discussion over Graham Potter’s shifting formations, but he was well known for it at Brighton. Versatile performers throughout all three lines enable easy switches between a back three or four, a narrow or wide attack, wingers and wing-backs. Chelsea have plenty of those same types of players themselves such as Loftus-Cheek, James and Sterling, who all start tonight.

Milan have fewer options available tonight due to injuries but it’s still a fierce attack they possess, with Rafael Leao a man in form and Olivier Giroud having displayed his talents over the long term.

Chelsea vs AC Milan latest news

19:40 , Karl Matchett

We are just under half an hour from kick-off.

In the earlier games, Leipzig are currently beating Celtic 3-1 - follow the end of that game here - and in Chelsea’s group, Salzburg are beating Dinamo Zagreb 1-0.

About five minutes or so left in both.

Champions League latest news

19:25 , Karl Matchett

Before we get underway at Stamford Bridge it’s worth a look at last night’s efforts in Europe from the Premier League pair.

Liverpool saw off Rangers 2-0 thanks to Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah, while Tottenham were held to a goalless draw by Eintracht Frankfurt.

Darwin Nunez didn’t get on the scoresheet but played most of the match and put in an improved showing, and says he learned plenty from his spell on the sidelines after being sent-off against Crystal Palace.

Meanwhile, Antonio Conte wants Spurs to get ruthless after missing a host of chances in Germany and taking only a point.

Will Chelsea eclipse either result tonight?

Graham Potter timeline at Chelsea so far

19:17 , Karl Matchett

It has been an unusual time in English football of late, plus an international break interrupted domestic proceedings. Here’s what has gone on since Tuchel was given his marching orders:

9 September - Potter appointed head coach on a five-year deal

10 September - Would-be dugout debut vs Fulham called off after the death of Queen Elizabeth II

14 September - New boss’ first game ends in a 1-1 draw at home to Salzburg

18 September - Chelsea vs Liverpool also postponed

20 September - Push to appoint Christophe Freund as sporting director ends in failure

21 September - Club sack commercial director for “inappropriate messages” sent to agent

1 October - Conor Gallagher seals a late 2-1 win over Crystal Palace in Potter’s first Premier League game in charge

Champions League Group E - as it stands

19:10 , Karl Matchett

Chelsea have made a pretty poor start to the campaign in Europe - that’s part of the reason Thomas Tuchel isn’t here any more of course, and Graham Potter is.

It’s still pretty congested after two games apiece, so back-to-back wins in these GW3 and 4 double headers could change much:

1. AC Milan 4pts

2. Dinamo Zagreb 3pts

3. Salzburg 2pts

4. Chelsea 1pt

Chelsea vs AC Milan latest news

19:06 , Karl Matchett

And AC Milan are looking forward to tonight even with a slightly short squad. An emotional return for Olivier Giroud, of course.

Chelsea vs AC Milan latest news

19:05 , Karl Matchett

Milestone match for right wing-back Reece James tonight. Strong bench for the Blues too, including Havertz, Jorginho and Pulisic.

Confirmed line-ups: Chelsea vs AC Milan team news

19:02 , Karl Matchett

Confirmed line-ups are in!

Graham Potter reverts to a three-man defence as Kalidou Koulibaly returns to the side. Ruben Loftus-Cheek is handed a starting berth in midfield.

Milan are as you’d expect; 4-2-3-1 with the Tonali-Bennacer axis in the centre. No Maignan, Zlatan or Origi among others at the moment for the Rossoneri.

Chelsea: Kepa; Fofana, Silva, Koulibaly; James, Kovacic, Loftus-Cheek, Chilwell; Mount, Sterling, Aubameyang

AC Milan: Tatarusanu; Dest, Kalulu, Tomori, Ballo-Toure; Tonali, Bennacer; Krunic, De Ketelaere, Leao; Giroud

Conor Gallagher will get chance to stake World Cup claims, says Graham Potter

18:50 , Karl Matchett

World Cup hopeful Conor Gallagher will get plenty of chances to impress Gareth Southgate in October, promised new Chelsea boss Graham Potter.

The midfielder earned his first England call-up after a standout campaign on loan with Palace last season but did not feature in Southgate’s most recent squad, and had played just 157 minutes across five Premier League appearances ahead of Saturday’s 2-1 victory over his former club.

Gallagher took full advantage of his 76th-minute introduction as a substitute, curling in a dramatic 90th-minute winner to hand Potter his first three Premier League points in charge of the Blues.

“We’ve got a really intense period coming up,” said Potter. “We’ve got 12 games in six and a half weeks so we need everybody. It’s impossible to play with 11 players, so Conor will get his time, he’ll get his chances, he’ll get opportunities to perform.”

More here from the boss:

Conor Gallagher will get chance to stake World Cup claims, says Graham Potter

Chelsea boss Potter focused on Kante’s fitness, not new contract talks

18:40 , Karl Matchett

Graham Potter has insisted he will not get involved with N’Golo Kante’s contract situation at Chelsea.

World Cup winner Kante’s current deal expires next summer, with the 31-year-old’s services in high demand.

New owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali are continuing their overhaul of Chelsea’s senior squad, with the midfield understood to be a focus for January and next summer.

But new Blues boss Potter insisted he will leave any contract talks with France star Kante to Chelsea’s owners.

Kante continues to work his way back to full fitness after hamstring trouble, leaving Potter determined to focus on the midfielder’s recovery.

Chelsea boss Potter focused on Kante fitness, not new contract talks

Chelsea ‘lead race’ to sign AC Milan star Rafael Leao

18:30 , Karl Matchett

Chelsea are understood to be hoping it will be second-time lucky in their pursuit of AC Milan’s Rafael Leao. The club were among those to have informal offers for the Portugal winger rejected over summer. But the Star, which refers to reporting by Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, says the Blues are currently leading the pack to sign the 23-year-old, whose contract at San Siro ends in 2024.

More rumours from today featuring Chelsea, Forest, Man United and Everton:

Chelsea ‘lead race’ to sign AC Milan star Rafael Leao

Leandro Trossard responds to transfer speculation after Chelsea and Arsenal rumours

18:20 , Karl Matchett

Brighton winger Leandro Trossard refused to dismiss rumours linking him with a move to Arsenal and Chelsea after an impressive start to the season.

The Belgian has scored five goals in seven Premier League matches this season, including a hat-trick against Liverpool, which has attracted interest from big clubs.

While the 27-year-old isn’t ruling out a potential move away from the Seagulls, he insists the future looks “promising” under new boss Roberto De Zerbi on the south coast.

“It’s difficult to say anything about that now,” he told the Monday Night Club. “It completely depends on which club would come. If I feel good and things are good on a private level… but I also know how good I am at Brighton, also with new coach Roberto De Zerbi it looks promising.”

More here:

Leandro Trossard responds to transfer speculation after Chelsea and Arsenal rumours

Olivier Giroud proud to return to Chelsea with AC Milan

18:10 , Karl Matchett

Olivier Giroud has told his AC Milan teammates of his pride at returning to Chelsea in the Rossoneri colours.

Giroud stopped his colleagues midway through a Stamford Bridge walkabout, to tell them how buoyant he feels being back in west London on Milan duty.

Milan could put Chelsea in all sorts of trouble with a win in London in Wednesday night’s Champions League Group E encounter.

Chelsea slipped to a chastening defeat at Dinamo Zagreb the day before Thomas Tuchel was sacked, with Graham Potter than overseeing a 1-1 home draw with RB Salzburg.

And France star Giroud admitted geeing up his team-mates with a passionate address, ahead of his first return to Stamford Bridge since leaving for Italy in summer 2021.

Olivier Giroud proud to return to Chelsea with AC Milan

How to watch Chelsea vs AC Milan online or on TV tonight

14:57 , Karl Matchett

Chelsea will be looking to get their Champions League campaign back on track as they host AC Milan at Stamford Bridge.

The London club have stumbled out of the blocks, rather, in Group E, taking just a single point from their first two games.

Chelsea secured their first win under Graham Potter against Crystal Palace on Saturday, but this will be a significant test for the manager.

AC Milan have been beaten only once so far this season and could solidify their place at the top of the group standings with victory.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the fixture.

How to watch Chelsea vs AC Milan online or on TV tonight