Malmo 1-2 Chelsea: Giroud and Barkley procure first leg lead facilitating weight on Sarri

Ross Barkley and Olivier Giroud scored as Chelsea earned a 2-1 win away to Malmo in the main leg of their Europa League last-32 meeting.

Chelsea recovered some pride after their 6-0 whipping without end to Manchester City with a 2-1 Europa League last-32 victory at Malmo.

Chelsea had lost their previous four straight away diversions in all competitions without scoring, a run that had its nadir in Sunday's 6-0 humiliation because of Premier League champions Manchester City.

Against more modest opposition at Swedbank Stadion on Thursday, Chelsea took a 2-0 lead gratitude to goals either side of the break by Barkley and Giroud.