Chelsea have passed the first of their two big tests of the next few weeks.
They have beaten AC Milan at home. If they beat them in the away game in a week’s time, they have qualification for the knockout stages back in their own hands.
This game wasn’t just about qualification either – it was about credibility for new manager Graham Potter.
A draw against RB Salzburg and an unconvincing win against Crystal Palace weren’t the explosive start he wanted, whereas beating a big European team in a meaningful game will be a spark.
Back it up with another good showing in the San Siro next week and he will feel the initial pressure is off, with plenty of time left to work on shaping this team the way he wants it.
It will take a long time to erase the questions about his pedigree completely, but it won’t take many more positive results like this to turn the media’s attention elsewhere, either.
