Sancho: Champions League race 'not over' for Chelsea

Despite dropping points at home in Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Ipswich Town, Chelsea’s race to qualify for the 2025-26 Champions League is “not over”. 

That is the belief, at least, of Jadon Sancho, who came off the bench to draw his side level with what he labeled “one of the best” goals he has scored, curling into the top corner from 18 yards out.

Ipswich went 2-0 up through goals from Julio Enciso and Ben Johnson at Stamford Bridge.

Yet after an own goal from Axel Tuanzebe, Chelsea restored parity through Sancho's stunner, and were only denied a winner by a string of fine Alex Palmer saves late on.

With Newcastle United hammering Manchester United later on Sunday, Chelsea sit sixth in the Premier League, and are embroiled in a tight race for the top five.

"It's not over, we still have six games to go. Every game is a final for us," said Sancho.

"If we stick together we can get something out of it."

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca was less positive, adamant that his side should have done “much better” with both Enciso’s opener and Johnson’s header just before half-time.

Maresca said: "Today was tough. I think their first goal changed the dynamic of the game. In the first 20 [minutes] we were in control but we missed our chances.

"It's football. Sometimes, one small thing changes the dynamic of the game. We conceded and we lost a bit of confidence. In the second half we got back in the game.”

Despite only starting 18 Premier League games this season and struggling to find any real consistency, Sancho is “doing well” according to the Chelsea boss, who was pleased with his impact off the bench.

As for Ipswich, who look destined for the drop, manager Kieran McKenna had nothing but pride for his players.

"Second half we played well, really even," he said.

"It was a big blow, them getting a goal so early in the second half. It took an incredible strike from Sancho off the bench. We gave everything and showed our quality."

Enciso, on loan from Brighton, was a constant thorn in Chelsea’s side and scored his first Ipswich goal, with McKenna hinting that the Paraguayan has perhaps not quite had the influence his potential promises this season.

"Big credit to him. It's been unfortunate for Julio. He could have made a huge impact for us in terms of results. He could have been a difference maker for us. I think the spirit we showed from Julio and the rest of the players summed up the group," McKenna added.

But McKenna knows his side’s defensive frailties are ultimately what may have cost them Premier League survival.

"We know our record in the first half is better than the second half. I don't think today we did a load of things wrong," he said.

"We didn't defend the moment well from the kick-off. We defended right up to Sancho's goal really well. Can we get out quicker? Yes, we were half a yard off it. A top player sticks one in the top corner from a really difficult angle."