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Chelsea 1-0 FC Porto
Match Reports, 21:59, September 15, 2009 ,
Nicolas Anelka's second half strike was enough for Chelsea to overcome FC Porto and continue their unblemished start to the season.
Chelsea welcomed Joe Cole back to their squad after injury but the England midfielder was not able to get on the pitch as Porto threatened to spoil the Blues 100% record.
The signs were there from the very first minute when Brazilian striker Hulk lashed a drive from 30 yards that Petr Cech could only keep out with his feet. The pressure grew as Porto settled quickly into their counter-attacking game until Chelsea finally began to get their foot on the ball. The majority of the first half ended up being played around the edge of the Porto penalty area with goalkeeper Helton in breathtaking form to deny Frank Lampard, Branislav Ivanovic and Anelka within a matter of minutes as the half closed.
Groans of frustration greeted a misplaced pass from Michael Essien as the second half began but any nerves appeared to have been settled moments later when Anelka sprinted clear to beat Helton at the second attempt, after seeing his first effort superbly denied.
The home fans expected that to be the opening of the floodgates but it was not to be, as Porto came back stronger than before. In-form Colombian striker Falcao was introduced and he soon put Cech to further work with a stinging half volley. As the minutes ticked by the visitors grew in confidence and began to throw more bodies forward in pursuit of the equaliser, and they almost got their reward with just six minutes remaining as Silvestre Varela's volley was clawed away by the excellent Cech.
Carlo Ancelotti's side managed to hold on though and the Blues campaign is underway with three important home points, but the real stars of the show were the two goalkeepers.