Lampard hails a 'hard-fought win' against Rennes in the Champions League.

FT: Rennes 1-2 Chelsea

Frank Lampard embraces match winner Olivier Giroud. [Getty]

Lampard says the 2-1 victory against Rennes on Tuesday night was 'a tough hard-fought win' adding that they now have to prepare well for their Premier League clash against Jose Mourinho Spurs.

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard expressed his joy after his Blues secured their spot in the last 16 of Europe’s elite competition "with two games to spare".

The Premier League club thrashed Ligue 1 side Rennes 2-1 in the Champions League on Tuesday night as goals from Callum Hudson-Odoi and Oliver Giroud confirmed their position at the top of Group E.

Blues winger Hudson Odoi opened the scoring in the 22nd minute before Sehrou Guirassy responded for the French side with five minutes left to play.

However, Giroud, who came off the bench to replace Tammy Abraham in the 68th minute, sealed the win in the dying minute, and Lampard admitted he was happy with the 'hard-fought win,' adding that they will now focus on preparing well to play Jose Mourinho's Tottenham side.

Speaking to BT Sport following the victory, Lampard said: "I'm very happy to qualify with two games to spare. It was a really tough match, they're a very good team. Their recent form doesn't reflect how good they are, it was a tough hard-fought win.

On the match-winner Giroud, the former Derby boss said: "He does things like he does tonight, he's great. It wasn't just his goal when he came on but his hold up play and physicality. I have a problem because Tammy [Abraham] is playing well and Olivier in the restart was incredible. I have two players fighting for the position, but it's a good problem.

"He'll get his minutes because of the amount of games, you saw the reaction to his goal, and that wasn't just because it was a late winner, it shows what he does day today and what he means to the team."

Speaking ahead of the 'big game' against Premier League leaders Spurs at the weekend, Lampard said: "We have to prioritise the game in front of us but we're aware of where we are in the league and that Sunday is a big game.

"It always will be because of the rivalry and they are a great team and now it's just about preparing well. They'll have a day off tomorrow and then come Thursday morning we'll start thinking about Spurs properly."

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