Chelsea 1 - Barcelona 0

Chelsea: Hilario; Boulahrouz, Terry, Carvalho, Ashley Cole; Essien, Makelele, Ballack, Lampard; Shevchenko (Robben 77'), Drogba (Kalou 92'). 4-4-2.
Barcelona: Víctor Valdés; Zambrotta, Puyol (Oleguer 74'), Márquez, Van Bronckhorst (Iniesta 56'); Xavi, Edmilson, Deco; Messi, Gudjohnsen (Giuly 60'), Ronaldinho. 4-3-3.

Goals:
1-0. 46. Drogba. Picked up cross from Cole and beat Valdés with shot on turn.

Barcelona were defeated in a Champions League match for the first time since March 2005, once again losing in Stamford Bridge to Chelsea. The result, together with Werder Bremen's victory against Levski Sofia in the other group match, leaves Frank Rijkaard's side level with the German club, and they still have some work to do if they are to reach the next round.

Honours were more or less shared in the first half, with Zambrotta failing to connect with an early chance and Messi forcing third choice keeper Hilario into a good save. Márquez did well to clear from Shevchenko at the other end, and Valdés kept out Drogba in another attack. Xavi tested Hilario again after a brilliant team passing move, and Messi whipped a shot wide shortly before the half time whistle.

Just one minute in to the second half though Chelsea took the lead, Drogba picking up Ashley Cole's pass to make himself space with a clever back heel and beat Víctor Valdés with a shot on the turn. And the English side could have increased their lead later in the second half, Shevchenko putting a good chance over the top and Valdés saving well from Drogba and Robben.

Chelsea were well in control by then, and Hilario was not in action again until he had to stop a long effort from Deco in the final minutes. First blow to Mourinho, and Barça now have to get themselves back together again before Sunday's big game in the Bernabeu.