Mandatory Credit: Mitchell Gunn-USA TODAY Sports
Chelsea FC and FC Schalke came into their opening UEFA Champions League tie with similar ambitions for the group, but certainly different for the match. Both will feel they can make it to the group stages. Chelsea would be looking to take all three points at home, which would set them up for a much easier path to the knockout stages. While Schalke would be content walking away with a hard-fought draw.
It would be Chelsea FC who got the all important first goal. With the Blues pressing high up the pitch, they forced a turnover which Eden Hazard took advantage of. Hazard found Cesc Fabregas on the overlap down the left side, and Fabregas made no mistake with the finish.
In the 37th minute Chelsea almost doubled their lead. Branislav Ivanovic found himself in an advanced position from his right back spot, and cut a ball back into the box after reaching the dead ball line. Fabregas was able to get a clear shot off, but sent his shot sailing over the crossbar.
Though the scoreline and possession stats might saw otherwise, Schalke did have some promising moments. Players such as Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Kevin-Prince Boateng, and Julian Draxler all proved themselves to be threats throughout the first half.
Indeed, it would be Draxler who gave Schalke a chance just before halftime. Draxler ran with the ball charging at no less than three Chelsea defenders, who seemed to have no interest in making a tackle. He eventually got a shot off, but missed just wide. This would preserve the 1-0 lead for the Blues going into halftime.
Didier Drogba almost gave the home fans what they were craving for in the 60th minute. Drogba received a lobbed through ball as he peeled off the shoulder of his marker. The Ivorian aimed for the far post, but saw his shot just go slightly wide.
Just a minute later Schalke would stun those same fans. Fabregas was dispossessed near the midfield line, and Draxler came racing away with the ball. Huntelaar found himself with a chance, and he took it well beating keeper Thibaut Courtois. The game was now tied at one a piece.
Substitute Loic Remy thought he had given Chelsea FC the lead in the 76th minute. After a mistake from keeper Ralf Farhmann, the Frenchman saw an open net in front of him. But a heroic goal line clearance from Roman Neustadter saved the German club.
The Fabregas-Hazard combo would almost create another goal late on in the game. The Spaniard found Hazard darting into the penalty area, but he couldn’t get enough on his shot, and the save was made.
Even with a mad flurry at the end of the match, there was no way through for Chelsea. Schalke had come in looking for a point, and they did well to earn it. This will open up group G a bit more now, with three of the four teams having a realistic chance of advancing.
MOTM: Julian Draxler – while he didn’t seem too thrilled to be substituted at the end of the match, Draxler was by and far the best player for Schalke today.
Follow us on Twitter at @PrideOLondon
Like us on Facebook at The Pride of London