Rennes 1-2 Chelsea: 5 talking points as Blues secure knockout berth | UEFA Champions League 2020-21

Chelsea managed to secure a late victory against Stade Rennes in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday to secure their spot in the Round of 16.

It was the perfect result for the Blues before the big Premier League game at Stamford Bridge against Jose Mourinho's Tottenham Hotspur.

Mason Mount won the ball back deep in Chelsea's half in the 22nd minute and spotted fellow academy star Callum Hudson-Odoi sprinting in behind the Rennes defense. He found Hudson-Odoi with a superb pass, and the 20-year-old winger calmly finished it to give Chelsea the lead.

Rennes created chances during the entire game and deservedly equalized when Serhou Guirassy scored a cracking header to level things up. Just when it seemed like the game was set to end in a draw, super-sub Olivier Giroud scored a freak header in stoppage time to give Chelsea the win and confirm their place in the knockout round of the elite European competition.

Let us now take a look at 5 talking points from Chelsea's win over Stade Rennais.

#5 Academy stars still running the show for Chelsea

Chelsea young stars continue to impress on the field

Last season's transfer ban saw Chelsea finally giving regular first-team minutes to academy players like Mason Mount, Tammy Abraham, Reece James, Billy Gilmour, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Fikayo Tomori. Not only did these players have an amazing season but they also made sure that they were in Frank Lampard's plans for the future.

The academy players, Hudson Odoi and Mason Mount, in particular, put in another stellar performance for Chelsea on Tuesday. The duo combined well for the first goal which gave the Blues the lead. Tammy Abraham also has adapted perfectly into Lampard’s system and looks to be an important part of the team.

Chelsea have splashed the cash to acquire the big names but the academy stars are the ones who shone in this game.

#4 Olivier Giroud to the rescue

Olivier Giroud scored the winner for Chelsea

It has been a very exciting week for Olivier Giroud. The French striker, who has been struggling to get game-time at Chelsea, scored a brace for his national team in the international break.

On Tuesday, the former Arsenal man once again found the back of the net, this time for Chelsea, as he scored a late goal to win all three points for the west London club.

Chelsea got a lucky break through Hakim Ziyech, who set up Timo Werner. The German's poor shot was saved by the Rennes keeper but Giroud arrived at the right time to power home a header off the rebound.

With the likes of Tammy Abraham and Timo Werner, game-time was always going to be the issue for Giroud. No one knows what the January transfer window holds for the Frenchman but a top performance like this will surely make Frank Lampard consider keeping him.

#3 Marvellous Edouard Mendy between the sticks

Edouard Mendy has been in scintillating form for Chelsea

Edouard Mendy has been in phenomenal form for Chelsea this season. While he could not get a clean sheet against his former team, the 28-year-old goalkeeper made a series of superb saves. He dominated the box and was confident in his handling and distribution.

Mendy has transformed Chelsea into a totally different team. The attacking talent at Chelsea was never really in doubt but there were questions raised against the defensive set-up. It is safe to say that Chelsea looks equally solid at the back this time.

#2 N'Golo Kanté back to his very best

N'Golo Kanté is back to being his best

There has been a lot of speculation about N'Golo Kanté and his role at Chelsea. Many newspapers reported that the Frenchman could actually leave the west London club. However, these stories have been put to bed by both the manager and the player.

Kante has been a revelation for Frank Lampard, who is now able to play two number #8s, with the former Leicester City man acting as the defensive wall in that midfield. The Frenchman made 7 interceptions against Rennes, more than any other player on the pitch.

The 29-year-old is a world-class midfielder and provides Chelsea with defensive stability. He is an important part of this Chelsea squad and will play a key role for the club this season.

#1 Chelsea's impressive squad strength

Frank Lampard made five substitutions to his Chelsea squad against Rennes

Chelsea made 5 substitutions against Rennes, which had the likes of N'Golo Kante, Olivier Giroud, Hakim Ziyech, Kai Havertz, and Reece James coming off the bench.

The Blues were in a comfortable position, with big names and talents on the bench. With games coming thick and fast, Frank Lampard will be hoping that his team's amazing squad depth helps them get the results they want.

With 9 games between now and the New Year, the London club has a busy and tough schedule. They are set to play Spurs, Arsenal, Everton, and Sevilla before the end of the year.

This Chelsea team is, however, flying high on confidence and will be up for the challenge.