The Spaniard powered in a brilliant header to give Enzo Maresca's side an important victory at Stamford Bridge.
Marc Cucurella scored perhaps the most important goal of Chelsea's season on Friday evening as his header gave the Blues a 1-0 win over Manchester United, keeping them in charge of their own Champions League destiny.
The Blues knew that they had to win to make sure qualification was in their own hands and now they know that a win on the final day against fellow European hopefuls Nottingham Forest will secure a top-five finish.
After 15 minutes, United thought they had the lead through Harry Maguire, as the defender met Bruno Fernandes' ball in with a fine finish into the top corner. A VAR review followed, however, and the goal was ruled out for offside.
Reece James came closest for the Blues in the first half around 10 minutes later, as he sent a curling half-volley from range at goal, and was only denied by the post. He set pulses racing again, for the wrong reasons, on the stroke of half-time, as he required treatment after appearing to jar his ankle.
James recovered to press on, and he played a starring role in the opening goal, spinning Alejandro Garnacho and floating a superb cross into Marc Cucurella, who had ghosted in at the back post and headed beyond Andre Onana.
Noni Madueke had a fine chance to double the lead shortly after but his sliced finish ended up in the crowd, before Chelsea successfully ran down the clock through seven minutes of injury time.
GOAL rates Chelsea's players from Stamford Bridge…
AFPGoalkeeper & Defence
Robert Sanchez (6/10):
Well-beaten by Maguire's finish but VAR restored his clean sheet. Had barely anything to do thereafter.
Reece James (8/10):
Fired a curling half-volley against the post from the edge of the box in the first half, and needed treatment for an ankle injury before half-time. Made his assist all the more impressive, as he left Garnacho in his wake to cross brilliantly. A battling display from the Blues' captain.
Tosin Adarabioyo (7/10):
Strong in the air, standing up well to United's physicality, and took care of the ball when he had it.
Levi Colwill (6/10):
Not as composed as Tosin when passing out of defence but he puts his body on the line so well that it is easy to forgive.
Marc Cucurella (8/10):
Scored such an important goal, as he drove into the area and finished brilliantly with his head. Busy defensively too but as diligent as he could be.
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Moises Caicedo (7/10):
One of Chelsea's most effective players, mopping up well in midfield and shielding his defence. So consistent.
Enzo Fernandez (5/10):
Buzzed around in midfield but struggled to link things together. His passing radar was just a little awry.
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Pedro Neto (5/10):
Struggled against Patrick Dorgu. The left-back is a physical presence and Neto couldn't really get beyond him at any point.
Tyrique George (4/10):
Dived in a desperate attempt to win a penalty and VAR caught him out. Really struggled up front but he is just 19 and his time will undoubtedly come.
Cole Palmer (6/10):
Got on the ball when he could but wasn't able to produce any magic. Robbed of an assist after a fine through ball by Madueke's terrible finish.
Noni Madueke (3/10):
Smashed an effort over the bar at the back-post early on, although he was perhaps offside, and later screwed an effort badly wide after Palmer sent him through. Not his night.
AFPSubs & Manager
Romeo Lavia (N/A):
On for George late on.
Malo Gusto (N/A):
On for Neto in injury time. Fouled by United defender Heaven in an ugly challenge but recovered.
Enzo Maresca (7/10):
Chelsea got there. This was a fixture fraught with danger but the Blues are over the line and are one win away from a return to Europe's top table. As sloppy as they can be in terms of their build-up, the result here is all that Maresca will care about.