Juventus beat Chelsea to put holders close to exit

Juventus beat Chelsea FC 3-0 to leapfrog the UEFA Champions League title holders into second place in Group E with just one round of games remaining.

The Bianconeri attacked from the start in front of their own fans and took the lead seven minutes from half-time when Fabio Quagliarella managed to divert Andrea Pirlo's shot past Petr Čech. Arturo Vidal made it two after the interval, via a deflection off Ramires, and substitute Sebastian Giovinco rounded off the scoring in added time. Juve are sure to qualify, and simultaneously eliminate the holders, with a draw at FC Shakhtar Donetsk on matchday six.

Juventus had gone close to the breakthrough after four minutes when Mirko Vučinić's wonderful chip from the left found Stephan Lichtsteiner at the back post, but Čech kept out the right-back's volley, throwing himself to his left and turning the ball onto a post.

Gianluigi Buffon soon responded to his opposing captain and keeper. Oscar, who had scored both Chelsea's goals in the 2-2 draw between these sides on matchday one, began an amazing solo run from his own half before passing to Eden Hazard on his right. Buffon somehow saved with his body and deflected the Belgium midfielder's shot wide.

Čech was again called into action on 15 minutes, this time to palm away a powerful attempt by Claudio Marchisio following a smart corner from Pirlo. The Czech Republic international had fewer problems repelling subsequent efforts from Quagliarella, Vučinic and Pirlo as Juve continued to attack.

Seven minutes from the break, however, not even Chelsea's No1 could prevent the Serie A champions from landing the first blow. Quagliarella showed great awareness to divert Pirlo's shot with his left foot, beyond Čech and into the bottom right-hand corner.

The Bianconeri could have doubled their advantage instantly, yet Ashley Cole was well positioned on the line when David Luiz unwittingly sent the ball towards his own goal in attempting to clear. At the other end, Buffon kept out a Juan Mata volley at the conclusion of a quick Chelsea counterattack.

Juventus continued to surge forward after the restart and Čech dived to turn wide a dangerous strike from Pirlo before coming out on top when one-on-one with Quagliarella. Once again, though, he was beaten by a deflection, Ramires knocking on Vidal's first-time shot after Kwadwo Asamoah's burst into the penalty area.

Čech was caught out again in added time when Giovinco, racing onto Vidal's through ball, spotted him rushing off his line and stroked in the Turin club's 200th UEFA Champions League goal, group stage to final.