MIDDLEsbrough, England (Reuters) - Chelsea continued their off-pitch turmoil with another impressive performance as they reached the FA Cup semi-finals with a 2-0 win at Middlesbrough on Saturday.
First-half goals from Romelu Lukaku and Hakim Ziyech took the stuffing out of Middlesbrough, who had knocked out Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur in the previous round.
Lukaku tapped into Mason Mount's low cross after 15 minutes, before Ziyech fired home 16 minutes later.
Middlesbrough was given raucous support inside Riverside Stadium, but never really seemed able to upset the spectators who were always in control.
Chelsea, the object of several buyout bids, are operating under a special license from the British government after Russian boss Roman Abramovich was hit with sanctions following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Only a few hundred Chelsea fans were inside the stadium - the result of a ban on selling tickets - but they could at least celebrate their team reaching the semi-finals for the fifth time in six seasons.
Since Abramovich announced he is putting the European champions up for sale on March 2 after 19 trophy-filled years, it has been as much business on the pitch as ever.
They have won all six fixtures since the latest victory which came a day after the deadline for bids to buy the club.
Despite the distractions, manager Thomas Tuchel is focused on winning games, and his players' performances on Saturday were clinical.
"We were very focused and very serious. We showed quality in the crucial moments," said the German.
“The effort was huge and we never let them set foot in the door after two opening goals. It was a deserved victory. ,
"What we cannot do is change the situation and we accept that it is not in our hands, but what is in our hands is setting an example and focusing."
Chelsea had attracted criticism for asking them to play matches without fans in midweek to ensure the "integrity of the game" as they were not able to sell tickets.
He later withdrew that request and Riverside was shaking before kickoff.
But when Mount was allowed to proceed to the left and then given a slide rule cross to allow Lukaku to tap home, the always looked stacked against Boro.
When Ziyech's shot then passed Middlesbrough keeper Joe Lumley, the hosts had a mountain to climb.
Chelsea could have added to their lead as Lukaku was denied goalline clearance and Lumley did well to keep away a late effort from Timo Werner, while Borough hardly got a chance.
This was Borough's first home defeat in 10 games in all competitions, and their focus will now be on an attempt to make the promotion play-offs.
As for Chelsea, they are still chasing silverware on two fronts, having reached the Champions League quarter-finals in midweek.
“We really have a winning mindset within the group. Any competition, any sport, we want to win, and we want to keep that going,” Mount said. "It's been a tough two weeks, but for us, as a team, we're just focused and ready to play."