Champions League: Rennes 1-2 Chelsea - Giroud winner secure knockouts spot for Blues

French striker Olivier Giroud helped Chelsea with his injury-time goal reach the knockouts of the UEFA Champions League as the English side defeated Rennes 2-1 on Tuesday 24 inside Stade de la Route de Lorient.

Olivier Giroud celebrates goal with Chelsea teammates. Photo: @ChelseaFC

Callum Hudson-Odoi placed Frank Lampard's side in front in the 21st minute but the Red and Blacks hustled until the 85th minute when they found the leveller through Sehrou Guirassy in the 85th minute.

Full-Time in France: Rennes 1-2 Chelsea ⬇

We left it late, but it's THREE points in the #UCL secured...

..and a place in the last-16! 🤩#RENCHE pic.twitter.com/ylaVKSQAWy

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) November 24, 2020

It looked as if both teams would finished by sharing points, however, the visitors shocked their hosts in injury-time when want-away striker Olivier Giroud headed the winner to secure a spot for the Blues in the knockout stages of the Champions League.

Chelsea Boss Frank Lampard speaks after the game - Giroud 'is getting better as he gets older' ⬇

Frank Lampard has arrived to speak to the media, and starts by expressing his pleasure with the result and securing qualification. He is delighted it was Olivier Giroud who got us the winner, and adds he is getting better as he gets older. #RENCHE pic.twitter.com/fW4zm6tDQP

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) November 24, 2020

With this outcome, Chelsea are Group E toppers with ten points after clinching three wins and one draw while Rennes are the bottom club with just one point, losing three and drawing one.