Chelsea-Roma draw in thriller

London : Eden Hazard and Edin Dzeko each scored twice as Chelsea rescued a thrilling 3-3 draw with Roma to stay top of Champions League Group C.

Chelsea had surrendered a two-goal lead to trail 3-2 with 20 minutes remaining after former Manchester City striker Dzeko’s quick-fire double.

But Hazard headed in to prevent Antonio Conte’s side slipping to a third straight loss for the first time under the Italian’s stewardship.

Hazard’s first goal of the season followed David Luiz’s opener but Aleksandar Kolarov halved the deficit before Dzeko’s delightful volley and free header within seven second-half minutes.

Chelsea were second best, but Hazard headed in Pedro’s cross to give the Blues seven points ahead of the trip to the Eternal City on Oct. 31.

The Blues were seeking a response to successive Premier League losses to Manchester City and Crystal Palace which have left the champions nine points adrift ahead of Saturday’s fixture with Watford.

The Blues did not get the win they craved, but will have been boosted by the way they fought back after ceding the initiative to Roma.

Chelsea marked their Champions League return after last season’s European absence with a 6-0 win over Qarabag and followed that up with an impressive display in winning at Atletico Madrid.

A draw in Baku between those sides earlier on Wednesday gave Chelsea added incentive. Beat Roma here and they would have one foot in the knockout stages with three group games to play.

If only it were so simple. Luiz’s deployment in midfield, with N’Golo Kante out injured, provided balance, while striker Alvaro Morata made a welcome return from his own hamstring injury, but Roma were better throughout.

Morata spurned an early chance, shooting straight at Alisson.

Diego Perotti shot over before Luiz struck against the run of play.

The Brazilian roamed forwards and, when his attempted pass to Morata was returned to him off Federico Fazio, he curled the ball in first time from 25 yards.

Roma’s best fell chance fell for Radja Nainggolan, who momentarily escaped Luiz’s attentions and ghosted down the Chelsea left.

Thibaut Courtois saved smartly and, soon afterwards, Chelsea doubled their lead.

Hazard fed Morata, whose shot looped up off the outstretched foot of ex-Tottenham defender Fazio and Hazard despatched the ball with ease.