Chelsea out, Celtic reach last 16

LONDON — Less than seven months after celebrating a first European Champions League football triumph to satisfy owner Roman Abramovich’s thirst for continental dominance, Chelsea became European champs on Wednesday despite a rip-roaring but irrelevant finale.

A 6-1 rout of Nordsjaelland at Stamford Bridge handed beleaguered interim manager Rafael Benitez some respite, but it came with the unwanted distinction of becoming the first Champions League holders to exit at the group stage.

Chelsea’s victory, their first since the Spaniard replaced the sacked Roberto Di Matteo a fortnight ago, mattered little with Juventus reaching the last 16 thanks to a 1-0 win in Ukraine over Shakhtar Donetsk.

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