Chelsea 1 FC Porto 0:CHELSEA MIGHT have pined for the many occasions in which Champions League matches truly are bland. This opening to Group D felt as if it belonged to a far more advanced date in the Champions League calendar. Domestic matches in this stadium seldom keep the goalkeeper Petr Cech so occupied.
In the closing 10 minutes, John Terry had to make decisive challenges and Cech was extended by an effort from the substitute Silvestre Varela. The banned Didier Drogba was badly missed by Chelsea. The home support enjoyed Nicolas Anelka’s goal, but were then more engrossed than they would have desired.
Relief only arrived at the close of stoppage time that had seen the Porto midfielder Fernando sent off with a second booking.
For teams such as Chelsea, games like this are supposed to be a means of settling down for a long haul in the competition. Porto, however, are no novices and drew 2-2 with Manchester United in last season’s quarter-finals before going out after Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal at Estadio do Dragao.
This was a big night for Carlo Ancelotti. The new Chelsea manager found he was confronted by a worthy test of the Champions League skills he had perfected at Milan. These visitors, after four successive domestic titles, ought to have faith in themselves.
Jesualdo Ferreira’s team had a settled air and there was enterprise as well. They were ready to search for goal and Cech, for instance, had to save well from Hulk early in the match. Ancelotti was proved right in his prediction that Porto would seek to attack whenever possible.
Joe Cole, who had not played since January, had recovered from knee surgery to take a place on the bench, but this fixture did not offer the prospect of a gentle outing. Although Chelsea did have an attacking intent, they could not lay siege before the interval because Porto continually took their chances to attack.
It was inevitable thoughts would turn to the suspension being served by Drogba for his outburst after the semi-final defeat by Barcelona last season. Chelsea were bound to miss such a presence at the heart of the attack.
When the pressure did mount in the first half, Porto reacted well. Goalkeeper Helton coped with attempts by Lampard and there was a decisive tackle from Fucile on Salomon Kalou when it looked as if he would run through on goal.
Chelsea found the match taxing enough for Michael Essien and Florent Malouda both to be booked early in the night. Essien had not seemed particularly suited to the holding role in midfield.
Porto were full of hope and confidence and there was a lot for Ancelotti to reflect upon at the interval. Due to injuries, there were limited alternatives on a bench that contained three youngsters.
But with 48 minutes gone Kalou set up Anelka and although the Frenchman’s first attempt was blocked by goalkeeper Helton he netted the rebound confidently.
There was a spell when it appeared that the match would be taken well beyond Porto’s reach but Helton made a wonderful save from Kalou’s downward header.
Chelsea, with the advantage of the goal, could make this a more studied display. Ferreira’s introduction of two substitutes, including the predator Falcao, by the 64th minute confirmed his changed approach. A lapse in the Chelsea back four gave Falcao scope on the edge of the area but his attempt ran straight to Cech.
Chelsea went in pursuit of a second goal but still had to be wary of a Porto side that has pace and attacking conviction. But the home side held out and a good night’s work was confirmed with the news Atletico Madrid were held 0-0 at home by Apoel Nicosia. in the other group match
GuardianService
CHELSEA: Cech, Ashley Cole, Terry, Carvalho, Ivanovic, Malouda, Lampard, Essien, Ballack, Kalou (Belletti 77), Anelka. Subs not used: Turnbull, Joe Cole, Sturridge, Hutchinson, Bruma, Borini. Booked: Essien, Malouda.
PORTO: Helton, Pereira, Bruno Alves, Rolando, Fucile, Raul Meireles, Fernando, Guarin, Rodriguez (Varela 64), Hulk, Gonzalez (Falcao 54). Subs not used: Nuno, Belluschi, Maicon, Costa, Sapunaru. Booked: Fernando.
Referee: K Plautz (Austria).
