LONDON — Chelsea eased to a 4-0 victory over Maccabi Tel Aviv in its opening Group G match in the Champions League at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.
Maccabi had been hoping it might take advantage of Chelsea’s current poor English league, but the Londoners completely outplayed the Israeli team. The only crumb of comfort: Wednesday’s match may be the hardest Maccabi has to play in the Champions League.
After Eden Hazard blazed a penalty over in the fifth minute, Willian put Chelsea ahead in the 15th.
His free kick from the left evaded his teammates in the penalty area but bounced beyond the reach of goalkeeper Pedrag Rajkovic.
Oscar doubled the lead on the stroke of halftime, replacing Hazard on penalty duties and converting from the spot after Diego Costa was felled by ex-Chelsea defender Tal Ben Haim.
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Substitute Costa then settled the match in the 58th, brilliantly turning in a cross from Cesc Fabregas off the underside of the crossbar, before Fabregas scored from close range on 78 minutes.
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