Chelsea have beaten Middlesbrough 3-0 at Stamford Bridge to move within three points of clinching the Premier League title, while condemning Boro to relegation.
Chelsea star Diego Costa Photo: Photosport
First-half goals from Spaniards Diego Costa and Marcos Alonso and a tap-in by Nemanja Matic propelled Chelsea to victory.
Costa got his 20th league goal this season, controlling a ball lofted into the area by compatriot Cesc Fabregas and neatly nutmegging keeper Brad Guzan.
Two Spaniards were involved in the second goal, Cesar Azpilicueta feeding Alonso to score.
With Antonio Conte's team buzzing, Matic put away the third in the 65th minute to pile the misery upon Middlesbrough, who will join neighbours Sunderland in the second tier next season.
Chelsea can claim the title in Conte's first season in charge even before nearest rivals Tottenham Hotspur play again if the west London side win at West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.
-Reuters
