Nigerian Mikel Obi Left On The Bench As Ref Clattenburg Officiated Chelsea

Chelsea kept up the hunt for Champions League qualification with victory over Swansea City on Sunday.

Much of the pre-match talk had surrounded referee Mark Clattenburg, making his first return to Stamford Bridge since being embroiled in a racism row involving Chelsea players John Mikel Obi and Ramires last October.

The official was subsequently cleared by the Football Association and Chelsea had promised that Clattenburg was welcome back in west London, with pre-match niceties impeccably observed.

Of more pressing concern to Blues manager Rafael Benitez was securing a Champions League place.

Chelsea's win took them back into third but the Blues are in a tight battle with Arsenal and Tottenham for two qualification places, while Everton are also still in contention.

There is the possibility that Chelsea can qualify if they win the Europa League - and they have a one-goal advantage after a 2-1 semi-final first-leg win at Basel - but the push in the league must continue, especially with Manchester United and Spurs their next opponents.