Chelsea started their quest to claim the Champions League crown that has remained tantalisingly out of reach with a hard-fought victory against Porto at Stamford Bridge.
Nicolas Anelka’s strike early in the second half proved decisive against a dangerous Porto side that even threatened to snatch a point as Chelsea survived anxious moments in the closing stages
Anelka fired a powerful finish high past Porto keeper Helton after he had saved his first effort in the 48th minute – and that was enough to give Chelsea three points from their opening Group D game.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side were efficient as opposed to spectacular as both sides struggled to come to terms with a Stamford Bridge surface made greasy by a torrential downpour.
Ancelotti – a two-time winner of the Champions League as manager at AC Milan – has been brought to Stamford Bridge with a brief to bring the trophy to west London. And while this was not a convincing opening to the campaign, he will be relieved to have claimed a crucial three points.
Anelka, 1-0, 48 minutes
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