Solo Anelka strike gives Blues the win

Solo Anelka strike gives Blues the win

Nicolas Anelka's second-half strike was enough for Chelsea as the Blues brushed aside FC Porto 1-0 in their Champions League Group D opener.

Carlo Ancelotti's men edged a tight contest at Stamford Bridge against an attack-minded Porto and extended their unbeaten home record in the Champions League to 19 matches.

Chelsea started well and Frank Lampard crashed an early shot towards goal which Helton ushered around the post in the pouring rain, but after just seven minutes the England man missed a gilt-edged chance.

The ball was crossed in from the right by Branislav Ivanovic and after Saloman Kalou ducked, Lampard saw his free header from seven yards turned away to safety.

Chelsea continued their forward momentum and 10 minutes later Anelka shot straight at a Porto defender after the ball fell to him nicely in the penalty area and minutes later a swift break on the right culminated with Anelka's effort which was gathered by Helton.

But Porto, who were far from overawed, fashioned a chance of their own on 37 minutes when a fine cross from the left was headed onto the roof of the net by Fredy Guarin with Petr Cech beaten and just before half-time Raul Meireles headed straight at Cech after his run went undetected.

Chelsea were out of the blocks quickly in the second half and Anelka's fine finish from a tight angle put them ahead on 48 minutes.

Neat play from Kalou freed the French striker down the middle and when his first shot was repelled, he reacted quickest to ram home the rebound.

Just before the hour mark Ivanovic's cross was met by Kalou but Helton was equal to it and Ivanovic then headed the resulting corner over the bar.

Cech had to be alert to save from Guarin and sub Silvestre Varela as the Portuguse giants pushed for an equaliser, but the Blues held on as Porto's Fernando was dismissed late on for a second yellow card.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti hailed match winner Nicolas Anelka as Chelsea stuttered to a nervous victory over Porto in their opening Champions League Group D game at Stamford Bridge.

"Anelka is a great player," said the Italian.

"With Drogba or without Drogba, he can play alone in the centre of the attack and together with Drogba. I am very happy for him because he is doing very well now.

"Our attacking play was good in the first half and we had a problem in the second half to maintain that. I don't think that Drogba was missed tonight."