Chelsea moved to within one win of the Premier League title and confirmed Middlesbrough’s relegation with a consummate performance and emphatic victory at Stamford Bridge.
Antonio Conte’s side can become champions with victory against West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns on Friday night while Middlesbrough must contemplate a future back in the Championship after they were swept aside on Monday.
The Blues had already created a succession of chances before Diego Costa turned in man of the match Cesc Fabregas’ pass after 23 minutes.
And the contest was effectively over when Marcos Alonso scored at the far post via the legs of Middlesbrough keeper Brad Guzan 11 minutes before the break.
Fabregas created Chelsea’s third which Nemanja Matic converted as the hosts laid siege to Boro’s goal, with the final whistle bringing contrasting emotions.
Middlesbrough knew they were fighting against all the odds to try and avoid the defeat that would send them back into the Championship – and it was a battle they never looked like winning.
They were on the back foot from the first whistle and were simply overwhelmed by a Chelsea side who would not be denied.
The Middlesbrough fans, who were stoic throughout, were applauded by Conte after the final whistle.
Middlesbrough look to currently have a good squad for the Championship – but this was a horribly tame end to their Premier League ambitions.