Match Summary
Nemanja Matic gave Chelsea their first win in the Champions League group stage — but it could have been much more comfortable.
The Blues, knocked by the 1-1 draw in their opening fixture against Schalke, had numerous opportunities but could only count on Matic to head home a vital goal and give the Blues a precious three points to lead the group.
The floodgates may have been opened has Costa managed to score the first inside two minutes. Fabregas was the provider, but Rui Patricio was the preventer.
The same scenario was occurring time and time again. Schurrle tried his hand but Patricio was there again to stop things. Oscar huffed and puffed too but there was no break-through from Chelsea’s attackers.
It was down to Matic. The ex-Benfica man received constant boos at the home of an ex-rival but had the last laugh by climbing highest in meeting Fabregas’ cross.
It would silence the crowd, and despite the best efforts of Nani, would also provide Chelsea with the precious three points.
Man of the Match
NEMANJA MATIC: Quietly gets on with his work, like Mikel, but what is so different is Matic is much more ruthless when with the ball. The killer pass, the anticipation, and on tonight’s showing, most definitely the goal-threat, are all attributes of the Serbian. It was another typically robust display. 8/10
Manager Reaction
Mourinho was just pleased to secure the points: “It’s not a knock-out where goals are fundamental; it’s points, and these are three points. I think the game was hard but correct. The ref controlled it so everything was OK.”