Rarely would a win for a side worth almost £450 million over a team put together for less than £20m bring about such relief as Chelsea's over Malmo did for Maurizio Sarri.
The Italian has been at rock bottom this week following Sunday's humbling at the hands of Manchester City, and the prospect of a European giant-killing had many believing that he may not see out the week.
Bruce Buck's presence at both Sarri's pre-match press conference and pitchside ahead of the game on Thursday only intensified those suggestions, with the Blues chairman obviously keen to get a closer look at exactly how Sarri and his squad are working together.