Champions League roundup: Christian Pulisic doesn't even make the bench as Chelsea beats Lille

Much has been discussed about Christian Pulisic’s recent lack of playing time at Chelsea. This is not going to help matters.

Pulisic failed to make manager Frank Lampard’s matchday squad as the Blues beat Lille 2-1 on a late Willian volley. Elsewhere, Sergino Dest and Ajax thumped Valencia 3-0 away, and Borussia Dortmund was also victorious.

Christian Pulisic misses Chelsea’s win over Lille

When Chelsea’s starters and bench squad were announced on Wednesday, Christian Pulisic was nowhere to be found. The same can be said of any optimism he’ll get significant minutes going forward.

Instead, Lampard went with Willian and Mason Mount on the wings behind Tammy Abraham up front. And to be fair, the attack looked sharp and earned Chelsea the result.

Abraham’s wonderful bit of control gave the Blues the lead (via Bleacher Report):

After Victor Osimhen equalized for the hosts barely 10 minutes later, substitute Callum Hudson-Odoi picked out Willian with a cross, and the Brazilian hit a first-time ball that drifted into the top of the net:

Intentional? Who knows. And who cares? Willian celebrated his 300th career appearance for Chelsea with aplomb.

It’s anyone’s guess when Pulisic will make his next one. There were no reports of injury to speak of, and now Pulisic hasn’t played in either Champions League fixture this season nor the last three Premier League games.

Make of that what you will.

Sergino Dest, Ajax cruise past Valencia

The day it was confirmed he wouldn’t join the United States men’s national team this month to avoid being cap-tied, Sergino Dest started and played a full 90 minutes as Ajax beat Valencia 3-0 to stay perfect in Group H.

Quincy Anton Promes and Donny van de Beek both scored for the Dutch champions, but Hakim Ziyech’s opening rocket was the show-stopper (via Bleacher Report):

Dest was influential, making dangerous runs up and down the right side and helping preserve the clean sheet.

It’s no wonder the 18-year-old has become the apple of the Netherlands’ eye. He also showed flashes of brilliance for the USMNT against Mexico a month ago.

Ajax, for the time being, has nothing to worry about. Dest is theirs, and so are a full six points from two Champions League matches.

Champions League Wednesday scores

Slavia Prague 0-2 Borussia Dortmund

Genk 0-0 Napoli

Barcelona 2-1 Inter Milan

Liverpool 4-3 RB Salzburg

Lille 1-2 Chelsea

Valencia 0-3 Ajax

RB Leipzig 0-2 Lyon

Zenit St. Petersburg 3-1 Benfica

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