Alonso’s late header lifts the Blues

night at the Sinobo Stadium in Prague and a draw looked the likely outcome.

But replacement Ruben Loftus-cheek’s smart spin and break turned Slavia’s defence four minutes from time, before Willian served up the perfect cross.

Alonso’s third goal of the season and second in the Europa League proved just enough for Chelsea and they will now expect to complete the job and move through to the semi-finals when hosting Slavia in the return leg next Thursday.

The west London club were relieved to prevail on the pitch on another night where racism hit the headlines.

Chelsea’s security team identified and barred entry to the stadium for three supporters who had taken part in a video on social media where Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah appeared to be racially abused.