Porto 0-1 Chelsea: Nicolas Anelka Strike Silences Estádio do Dragão

With qualification assured, an exciting start to the game ensued with both teams commiting men forward. Chelsea looked the more dangerous during the early exchanges and a flowing move from the Blues ended with Nicolas Anelka being played through by Didier Drogba only to be adjudged to be marginally offside. Anelka threatened again early on with a powerful effort from range which stung the hands of Porto reserve keeper Antonio Beto.  

Chelsea were not to have it all their own way and The Dragões showed their teeth and hit back with an assualt on Petr Cech minutes later, the Czech international having to be on his best to deny a succession of shots first from Porto midfielder Fernando Belluschi then a re-bound effort from teammate Fernando Varela.

Porto were beginning to play with more authority now and Cech would have had no chance with a Varela shot which cannoned off the bar. The next 15 minutes and Porto began to turn the screw on the Premier League outfit, Meireles managing to stamp his authority on the midfield and starting moves with Varela, Belluschi and also Cristian Sapunaru swamping the Blues' final third.

The last five minutes of the half saw attacking intentions of both sides wind down, Jesualdo Ferreira going into the break happy with his team's exploits, Carlo Ancelotti perhaps needing a tactical shift.

French strike | Chelsea celebrate Anelka opener

The second half started in a more controlled manner for the visitors and Chelsea had the first attack of note when Anelka skipped past Francisco Fernando and delivered a cross which fell to Deco, the Portuguese midfielder striking a fierce shot just wide of the post.

Chelsea were giving a better account of themselves this half and Florent Malouda was seeing more joy down the left flank, delivering teasing balls into the box which his teammates did not profit from.

The Frenchman's industry was to be awarded when a perfect cross into the box was found by Anelka whose close range bullet-header left Beto no chance and Chelsea 1-0 up.

Porto tried to respond with striker substitute Hulk not able to get full purchase on a header whilst under pressure from Blues captain John Terry.

Hulk, making a difference as a sub, managed to test Cech soon later after finding himself in space near goal. The shot was straight at the 'keeper however and was smothered.

The Chelsea back-line was being marshalled well as the game reached its conclusion, Porto being frustrated by the stalwart English defence, who sat back and saw the game out to secure the three points. Chelsea now are top of their qualifying group and this was a good excursion for Ancelotti's side, who look like one of the favourites to go all the way in the competition this season.

Michael Landon