Photo: Torres scores for Chelsea against Galatasaray (Getty Images)
The game between Galatasaray and Chelsea was billed as the battle of the African Strikers, current Chelsea man Samuel Eto’o vs former Chelsea man Didier Drogba or Mancini vs the man who took over after he left Inter Milan, Jose Mourinho.
Photo: Torres scores for Chelsea against Galatasaray (Getty Images)
The game between Galatasaray and Chelsea was billed as the battle of the African Strikers, current Chelsea man Samuel Eto’o vs former Chelsea man Didier Drogba or Mancini vs the man who took over after he left Inter Milan, Jose Mourinho.
With jibes of ‘welcome to hell’ and the red flares up in the stands it was the away side that began the match seemingly unmoved by their surroundings, with Muslera almost handing his opponents a 4th minute lead with a wayward clearance, denying Willian’s strike with a quick reaction to make up for his error. However, with just nine minutes on the clock, it was Chelsea who broke the deadlock through a strike from Fernando Torres who was set up by Azpilicueta. The Spanish striker took his effort well as he opened up his body to finish with a one-time effort from a sweeping Chelsea counter attack.
Drogba wasted an opportunity to pull his side level when a poor touch allowed Petr Cech to intercept. Willian then sent off a 25 yard shot which was saved after which Frank Lampard saw a long-range free kick sail over the bar. Play was halted for a few minutes as Ramires received treatment, but he was soon back on-field striking a shot over the bar. Galatasaray got their first shot on target in the 30th minute as Hajrovic’s low shot was saved by Cech before the winger was replaced by Yekta Kurtulus. The hosts then put on an improved display which ended in a disallowed goal for striker Burak Yilmaz, this after Terry had retreated with the ball having conceded a throw –in, only to release it as Gala took a fast throw-in from which the Turkish International lashed home with both balls on the pitch. The Chelsea skipper was booked for the incident and booed off the field at half time.
Six minutes after the restart it was Chelsea going for the jugular once more with Torres being denied by the quick reactions of Muslera after a fine pass from Eden Hazard. Galatasaray then started to come out on top with Gary Cahill being fortunate not to have deflected a strike from Yilmaz into his own net before Schurrle, Ramires and Cech were all booked in quick succession. The home team were by now on the ascendancy and Selcuk Inan who was also booked in the flurry of yellow cards, hit the post from close range in the 63rd minute.
Wesley Sniejder sent over a cross two minutes later and with Ivanovic busy marking Drogba at the back post, Chedjou slipped away from Terry to volley home unmarked as the stadium burst into cheers. Mourinho made a quick double substitution to calm things down, but Mancini’s side remained on top and Cech did well to turn a Telles effort over the bar. Drogba was replaced by Umut Bulut to a loud ovation as the match entered the final 10 minutes but poor finishing ensured there were no further goals.
Chelsea return to Stamford Bridge for the return leg in three weeks, clinging to the away goal, but the contest is certainly far from over.
Writer: Lynford Harris
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