The Spaniard slammed in the only goal of the game against Newcastle United 11 days ago and has since featured in victories over Ajax and Burnley.

In the programme pages, Reece James is the latest subject of the In His Own Words feature, where he discusses being brought up in a football environment and the similarly impressive footballing progress of his sister Lauren, who plays for Manchester United Women.

Emma Hayes’s side play them for the first time ever at Kingsmeadow on Sunday 17 November and tickets are currently available to purchase.

Frank Lampard and Cesar Azpilicueta provide updates with their regular programme notes, with the manager insisting his side’s focus is on reaching the quarter-finals. ‘People talk about the different cups and priorities but that doesn’t matter on a night like this,’ he writes. ‘It’s going to be two big clubs wanting to win the match and progress to the next round.’

Secrets of the Dressing Room features a couple of excerpts from Juan Mata’s new autobiography, which is out now, looking back at joining Chelsea in 2011 and winning the Champions League a year later.

There is also an insightful Stargazing piece with John Hollins, who talks about playing against Bobby Charlton in the latter’s last game for United, which was at the Bridge.

-This season’s matchday programme remains at £3.50 and is available in and around Stamford Bridge, the Megastore and online. Cashless payment is now available from certain sellers.