Chelsea became the first Premier League side to reach the quarter-finals of this season’s Uefa Champions League, after sealing a comfortable 2-0 home win over Galatasaray.
Coming in the wake of a 1-1 draw in Istanbul, Jose Mourinho’s men were poised on making a bold statement on their title credential, despite the emotions surrounding the return of Ivory Coast legend Didier Drogba to the Stamford Bridge ground.
Samuel Eto’O opened scoring early on, shooting past Fernando Muslera in goal for the Turkish champions before Gary Cahill made it 3-1 on aggregate when he thumped home after John Terry’s header was saved.
Drogba failed to convert an injury-time opportunity as there were not to be a fairy tale return for the 36-year-old.
Unlike in the first-leg tie a fortnight ago, the hosts got off well against the Turkish champions and Eto’O placed them in the ascendancy four minutes from kick-off, rattling home a quick shot which crept under the body of Uruguayan goalkeeper Muslera, following an assist from Oscar.
Franck Lampard and Willian wasted good chances to double Chelsea’s advantage, after excellent play from Eden Hazard and Oscar in the midfield.
Felipe Melo’s tame shot was Galatasaray’s only real effort towards Petr Cech’s goal.
The two-time European cup winners eventually doubled their lead as captain John Terry was allowed to head goalward from a corner kick which Muslera parried, but the ball fell into the six-yard box and Gary Cahill smashed it into the roof of the net.
The 3-1 aggregate win means Roberto Mancini has yet to beat Chelsea boss Mourinho in six European attempts with the Portuguese tactician going for a third Champions League trophy with different clubs.
Other Result
Real Madrid 3-1 Schalke (Agg 9-2)
Already Through to the Last Eight
Chelsea
Real Madrid
Barcelona
PSG
Bayern Munich
Atletico Madrid
