Chelsea return to the Stamford Bridge with a crucial away goal after a stalemate with Turkish giants Galatasaray. Certainly all the pre-match excitement was pinned on Chelsea legend Didier Drogba facing his former side.
@chelseafc: Team to face Galatasaray: Cech; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry (c), Azpilicueta; Ramires, Lampard; Willian, Hazard, Schurrle; Torres. #CFC
The game started brightly for the blues and had a promising opportunity as early as the fifth minute. Muslera’s poor clearance fell kindly for Willian who’s chipped effort was diverted away by the head of the goalkeeper.
Chelsea were soon ahead. Cesar Azpilicueta dispossessed former Arsenal man Eboue on the left before feeding Hazard. The Belgian gave the ball to Schurrle who played a perfectly weighted ball to the rushing “Dave”. Azpilicueta cut the ball back to Torres who was handed the easy task of firing into the empty net. 1-0 Chelsea
Galatasaray were failing to make any chances, with their defence looking like a liability in their attempts. Former Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini decided to replace Champions League debutant Hajovic by introducing Yekta.
Galatasaray threatening very little decided to take a quick throw in to Yilmaz, the striker appeared to have scored however the referee halted proceedings as there was two footballs on the pitch. Therefore the goal did not stand. 1-0 HT
The second half appeared to have started in very similar fashion to the first, with Chelsea dominating affairs. Hazard played Torres through the middle who’s shot was smartly saved by Muslera. Moments later a long ball from Lampard to Schurrle was deemed offside by the officials, however replays showed the German was onside and would have been through on goal.
Galatasaray started to dominate the possession and they had a little spell of there own which they were able to capitalise on. A Felipe Melo corner was met by the unmarked Chedjou who hit the ball home from three yards. 1-1
Jose Mourinho decided to introduce two Chelsea players Eto’o and Mikel came on replacing Fernando Torres and Andre Schurrle.
Chelsea were nearly scared at the 73rd minute. Willian was dispossessed and Eboue flashed a menacing ball across the face of Cech’s goal, certainly it was a troubling sight for the Chelsea defence.
Oscar came on for his 100th Chelsea appearance. Yet Chelsea were calm and slowed the tempo of the game significantly. It was as if they were contempt with the draw. The game finished 1-1
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@carbislli
