CFC Unofficial

Wednesday 17 September 2014 - Champions League group stage Game 1 - Chelsea 1 Schalke 1

The return of the Drog didn’t quite produce the fairy tale ending.

Good to see a start for our 2012 Champions League winning legend, and with plenty of possession in the opening minutes we were soon ahead with a goal from Fabregas on 11 minutes. Hazard looking like a threat every time he picked up the ball, we had plenty of opportunities to increase our lead but it didn’t quite happen, Drogba’s touch eluding him at times. Willian was also on form, some great runs through the centre of the park.

But as the half wore on and we failed to take our chances, Schalke gained in confidence and just before the half time whistle our defence practically escorted Draxler on goal but luckily his shot went wide.

We needed to step up a gear in the second half and while we had our fair share of the play it was the visitors who scored first with an equalising goal from Huntelaar. A few minutes later we brought on the fresh legs of Oscar, replacing Ramires and while the play was pretty even, Schalke seemed to have the more clear cut chances.

With 15 minutes to play, the big guns arrived in the shape of Costa and Remy, replacing Drogba and Willian. The change certainly changed the emphasis of the game and we pushed them all the way looking for that winning goal. We came very close but chances continued to go begging, and it the end it was honours even and a point each.

Not the result we were expecting or hoping for, but Group G is tied at 1 point each, with the other game finishing with the same score
(at Stamford Bridge)