Chelsea boost chance of Champions League qualification with 2-1 victory over Leicester City

Chelsea seized control of their destiny in the Premier League top-four battle as they avenged their FA Cup final defeat by Leicester City to beat them 2-1 at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday.

Roared on by 8,000 fans Thomas Tuchel's side dominated and were rewarded after the break with Antonio Rudiger bundling in their opener before Jorginho rolled home a penalty.

Timo Werner twice had goals ruled out before the break while Leicester, who looked flat after Saturday's celebrations, offered little threat until Kelechi Iheanacho gave the visitors a lifeline with a cool finish in the 74th minute.

It was a nervy climax and Ayoze Perez wasted a glorious late chance to equalise but Chelsea clung on for a priceless win that moved them into third place on 67 points with one game remaining, meaning a win at Aston Villa on Sunday will guarantee them Champions League football next season.

For Leicester there is now the looming possibility that they will let a Champions League berth slip through their fingers for the second season in succession.

A win would have ensured a top-four finish but they will drop to fifth if Liverpool win at Burnley on Wednesday.

Leicester, who have 66 points, finish with a home game against Tottenham Hotspur while Liverpool's final game of the season is at home to Crystal Palace.

Chelsea's win guaranteed Manchester United runners-up spot behind champions Manchester City.

"Fantastic. It was an outstanding performance but the job is not done," Tuchel said. "We have two more to go. The fans made a huge difference. The speed in our game, the hunger, the ambition. It was a very strong performance and I'm delighted the team can present itself like this in front of our fans."

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