Chelsea’s hopes of qualifying for next season’s UEFA Champions League suffered a blow on Sunday (Apr 13) following a 2-2 draw against strugglers Ipswich Town at Stamford Bridge. Two goals from the relegation-bound visitors had Enzo Maresca’s side on the back foot at half-time, but Chelsea improved significantly after the break – pulling one back in the 46th minute via an Axel Tuanzebe own goal after some fine work by Noni Madueke and then equalising through second-half substitute Jadon Sancho on 79 minutes. While Chelsea will be pleased that they fought back from 2-0 down to take a point, the result will still be a disappointment given the gap between the two sides in the table.
Chelsea's hopes of qualifying for the Champions League were dented with the Blues held to a 2-2 draw against Ipswich Town at Stamford Bridge.
Despite Chelsea's early dominance, it was Ipswich who took the lead when on-loan Brighton midfielder Julio Enciso poked home Ben Johnson's cross to score his first goal for the club.
Enciso turned provider for Ipswich's second, chipping a brilliant ball to the back post for Johnson to head in his first goal of the season and give the visitors a two-goal lead at the break.
An Axel Tuanzebe own goal 20 seconds into the second half reduced the deficit, but Chelsea had to wait until ten minutes from time to find an equaliser when substitute Jadon Sancho curled a wonderful effort into the top corner from a short-corner routine.
Trevor Chalobah and Pedro Neto both went close for Chelsea but the draw leaves the Blues in fifth, three points behind third-placed Nottingham Forest and ahead of sixth-placed Aston Villa on goal difference.
Ipswich are 14 points adrift from safety following Wolverhampton Wanderers' 4-2 win against Tottenham Hotspur at Molineux.
