Alvaro Morata ended a six-match run without a goal to earn Chelsea a second consecutive Europa League win.
The Spaniard’s second goal of the season finally broke stubborn MOL Vidi resistance 20 minutes from time with an instinctive first-time finish from Willian’s flicked header.
Cesc Fabregas provided the intelligent pass into the box but Chelsea otherwise struggled to create clear chances on an increasingly frustrating evening at Stanford Bridge.
Morata missed a glorious first-half opportunity, shooting wide when through on goal while Emerson blasted an effort over the bar after beating three men.
Chelsea continued to dominate possession and territory and had numerous sights of goal but rarely tested keeper Tomas Tujvel.
The Hungarian champions wasted a couple of fine chances on the counter-attack, but the 55th-minute introduction of Eden Hazard saw Chelsea step up a pace.
And after Morata’s neat strike, the Blues should have added to their tally.
Ross Barkley went closest with a header that hit the post from Hazard’s free-kick, while home keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga made a brilliant late low stop to ensure victory.
This post was last modified on 05/10/2018