Chelsea 1-0 FC Porto: Nicolas Anelka Bags The Winner

81. Nicolas Anelka

Chelsea won their Champions League opener against FC Porto through a lone goal scored by Nicolas Anelka.

The game began in emphatic fashion as the Blues began in front of their fans, while the Portuguese side managed to bring the physical side of their game to the fore. It took some time for the west London club to settle down, but it did nothing to ease the pressure as the Dragons’ continued their fiery brand of attacking football.

The Pensioners’ captain John Terry was left rattled after a smack in the face caused a fair amount of interruption. But the skipper was able to resume his duties following some treatment.

As soon as the game restarted following the halftime break, the home side took the lead when Salomon Kalou found Anelka, who brought out a save from goalkeeper Helton at first, and then capitalised on the rebound so as to promptly put the ball where it belonged.

The Tripeiros tried hard to find the leveller, but the defence was equal to the task throughout, as manager Carlo Ancelotti eventually celebrated his first victory in the European competition as the Londoners’ boss.

Chelsea 1-0 FC Porto

Anelka 48 (C)