Chelsea’s Champions League hopes fade after draw with Huddersfield

Chelsea 1 Huddersfield 1

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Chelsea’s already faint hopes of snatching a Champions League spot faded further as they were unable to get the win they needed at Stamford Bridge.

Marcos Alonso’s fortuitous goal hauled them level just after the hour mark after Huddersfield had taken a shock lead, but the Blues could not find a winner.

Tottenham’s victory at home to Newcastle means they are sure of a Champions League place and Chelsea will miss out unless they win at Newcastle on Sunday and Liverpool lose at home to Brighton.

Meanwhile, Huddersfield’s point means they are safe from relegation and Swansea are all but down.

Trailing to Laurent Depoitre’s goal, Chelsea equalised when Cesar Azpilicueta sent in a low cross from the right and Zanka’s attempted clearance rebounded off Alonso and into the net.

Keeper Jonas Lossl, who produced first-half saves to deny Alonso and Alvaro Morata, prevented Chelsea taking the lead when he pushed Andreas Christensen’s header onto the post during an incredible goalmouth scramble late on.

The home side had dominated, with Antonio Rudiger missing two great chances, before going behind totally against the run of play four minutes into the second half.

After Christopher Schindler’s crunching challenge robbed Willian deep inside the Huddersfield half, Aaron Mooy launched the ball forward to Depoitre.

Keeper Willy Caballero raced from his line and crashed to the ground after clattering into the striker, who stayed on his feet and steered the ball past Rudiger.

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte, who made six changes to his starting line-up, responded to the goal by sending on Olivier Giroud and then Eden Hazard.

Both players made an impact but the Yorkshire side held on after the equaliser to secure their Premier League status for next season.