Chelsea keep pace with narrow win

LONDON: A 1-0 victory at Bournemouth on Saturday ensured Antonio Conte’s men didn’t lose more ground to Manchester City and the head coach insisted the win provided a welcome boost to club’s confidence ahead of the midweek trip to face AS Roma in the Champions League.

Eden Hazard’s 51st-minute goal settled the outcome of a game at Dean Court that Chelsea should have taken control of in the first half. But the Italian refused to look too far into the future and warned of the difficulties that lie ahead for Chelsea in merely attempting to secure their position in the top four of the Premier League before setting their sights any higher.

“At this moment we must be realistic by going game by game,” said Conte. “We have 19 points and we deserve to have 19 points. We are first in our group in the Champions League.

BARCA MAINTAIN LEAD

MADRID: Barcelona recorded their best ever start to a La Liga season as coach Ernesto Valverde enjoyed a successful return to Athletic Bilbao thanks to goals from Lionel Messi and Paulinho in a 2-0 win on Saturday. Valverde has now overseen 12 wins and a draw from his first 13 La Liga and Champions League matches .

VALENCIA WIN

Valencia’s stunning revival continued as they remain Barca’s closest challengers with victory in Vitoria. Simone Zaza put Valencia into the lead 10 minutes before half-time , Alaves levelled through Alexis’s header early in the second period, but Rodrigo’s penalty after Rodrigo Ely handled a cross inside his own box gave the visitors all three points.