Chelsea 3-1 BATE Borisov - 5 Talking Points and Tactical Analysis: Europa League 2018/19

#4 A reminiscent return to London for Aleksandr Hleb

Hleb is yet to win a single game at Stamford Bridge

Aleksandr Hleb was presented with the opportunity to renew acquaintances with an old foe in the form of Chelsea when he was named in the starting eleven by Aleksei Baga. The midfielder, who spent three seasons across the capital in north London with Arsenal, is currently in his sixth spell with BATE Borisov in a career that has spanned well over two decades.

The veteran, who is a Champions League winner with Barcelona, did not particularly enjoy his return to London as he struggled to cope with the dynamic and free-flowing nature of Chelsea's midfield trifecta on the night. Mateo Kovacic had the better of him from time to time as the Croatian almost effortlessly floated around him with his neat touches and nimble movement.

Hleb picked up a booking in the first half for pulling back Kovacic after the Chelsea midfielder had robbed him of possession and initiated a counter-attack with a driving run. The 37-year-old had previously lost all three of his games at Stamford Bridge and could do very little to change that record with BATE on Thursday night before he was replaced early on in the second half.