Chelsea’s Qualification In The Balance

Chelsea’s UEFA Champions League tie against Galatasaray remains in the balance after Fernando Torres’ early away goal was cancelled out in a 1-1 draw.

The other three English sides in the last 16 had suffered demoralising 2-0 first-leg defeats, but it took Chelsea just nine minutes to break the deadlock in Turkey as Galatasaray’s defence was pulled out of position by a swift attack and Torres tucked in a simple finish from Cesar Azpilicueta’s cut-back.

However, the Blues could not make the most of their first-half dominance and Galatasaray battled back to equalise thanks to Aurelien Chedjou in the 64th minute, setting up an intriguing return match at Stamford Bridge next month.

This was a match of many a subplot, varying from Chelsea favourite Didier Drogba facing his former club for the first time to former Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini coming up against Mourinho, the man who succeeded him at the Inter Milan helm.

But Chelsea began the match ferociously and were seemingly unmoved by intimidating surroundings.

Ivory Coast international and former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba was replaced to a loud ovation by Umut Bulut as the match entered the final 10 minutes, but poor finishing ensured there would be no more goals.