Chelsea have proven they can pass unique Lille test amid EU block on Champions League progress

Chelsea remain in the midst of a weird, unprecedented transition. Questions remain abound: Will Chelsea find a suitable new owner? Will Thomas Tuchel stay at the club? Can they afford to keep their players? What happens to any attempts to strengthen the club in the summer transfer window?

The consistent pounding of information signalling that the club are in a deep pool of trouble is ironically quite draining. Especially considering the honours on the pitch Chelsea still have to fight for this season. A late title-race push looks unlikely but the FA Cup clash with Middlesbrough, albeit against an awkward backdrop, and tonight's Champions League round-of-16 second leg against Lille offer hope of there being a happy ending to this season.

In hyperbolic terms, It’s currently us against the world. We have to do the talking on the pitch to help find an escape in our performances. While the EU made their stance on Roman Abramovich clear on the eve of the game, they have equally outlined that their fight is with him - and importantly not with Chelsea.

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It feels like a lifetime ago that Kai Havertz and Christian Pulisic helped the Blues sail past the French champions in the opening leg of the tie and it's safe to say plenty has happened since at Stamford Bridge. Each Chelsea game has been met with more scrutiny and more questions over what the future holds and the hope will be tonight that amid an ongoing battle to win the race for a takeover, Chelsea can keep doing their talking on the pitch.

There’s only one mission for the Blues as they