Chelsea's Champions League win over Lille shows they need their older heads too

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 Cesar Azpilicueta scored Chelsea's winning goal against LilleCesar Azpilicueta clenched his fists together in celebration as the final whistle sounded at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea's season has been all about their young players so far. On this occasion, however, it was fitting it was their captain's goal which made the difference.This game had been billed as a test of character for the club's academy stars. A place in the Champions League last 16 was at stake and the pressure was on after a poor run of form. In the end, though, it was the older heads in the team who guided them through - albeit by a fine margin.Chelsea 2-1 Lille - Match reportChampions League scores and resultsWhen is the CL last-16 draw?Sponsored linkModern Home Transformations: From Frigid To Welcoming Modern Home Transformations: From Frigid To Welcoming Mansion GlobalRecommended byFrank Lampard knew it was a night for experience and it showed in his team selection. There were three changes from the 3-1 loss to Everton and each one saw a younger player replaced by an older one. In defence, Andreas Christensen and Reece James made way for Antonio Rudiger and Emerson. In midfield, Mason Mount dropped out for Jorginho.English Championship Wed 11, 19:45Price BoostBarnsley v ReadingPRICE BOOSTBarnsley to win and BTTSWas 3/1Now 7/2Bet HerePRICE BOOSTReading to win and BTTSWas 3/1Now 7/2Bet HereRudiger's return was particularly welcome. The Germany defender has been missed this season, particularly at Goodison Park on Sunday, where Christensen and Zouma were dominated by more physical opponents, but he has put his injury problems behind him now and Chelsea's defence looked far more secure with him at the heart of it on Tuesday night.Loic Remy's late goal ensured there was no clean sheet. But Lille did not threaten at all until that point and it had a lot to do with Rudiger.He provided the leadership Chelsea's defence has lacked lately and looked assured from the start. The fans sounded their appreciation when he won an early foot race with Thiago Maia. There were roars of delight at one crunching tackle on Remy shortly before half-time.Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic pictured after the final whistleJorginho and Mateo Kovacic pictured after the final whistleZouma clearly benefited from the presence of a more experienced centre-back partner alongside him, and while there was one late lapse from Rudiger - a loose touch which allowed Remy to spring forward on the break - this was an impressive overall performance for a player making his first start since September - and only his second of the entire season.Either side of Rudiger and Zouma, Azpilicueta and Emerson fared similarly well, pinning back Lille's wide players for long periods, keeping their composure late in the game and even combining for what turned out to be the decisive goal, when the latter's corner was headed home by the former.Lampard on January transfer plansMan City to rival Chelsea for AkeWatch Sky Sports from £18 a monthJorginho ran the midfield. The Italy midfielder has been in and out of the Chelsea team lately, but he has been talked up as a "leader" by Lampard this season and this performance was another example of his value to the side. As well as the usual probing passes, he made more tackles and interceptions than anyone else, helping Chelsea keep Lille under pressure.Jorginho was ably supported by N'Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic, who combined to ensure Chelsea did not miss Mount's guile, and while it was Tammy Abraham who scored the opener, the striker was one of only two players in the team under the age of 25 along with Christian Pulisic.