Goals from David Luiz and a 93 minute tap-in by Juan Mata gave the Blues an opening three points in this Champions League Group E against Bayer Leverkusen at Stamford Bridge tonight.
The Brazilian centre-back strode forward on 67 minutes, received the ball from Fernando Torres and struck a perfect right-footed drive past the hapless Bernd Leno in the German goal.
There was much relief on the face of manager Andre Villas-Boas who, having decided to dispense with the old guard of John Terry, Nicolas Anelka and Frank Lampard – the former not even in the 18-man squad, called upon Lampard and Anelka on 64 minutes to come off the bench and bring stability and experience to the side.
It was a tactic that paid off.
Within three minutes Chelsea had breached the German’s defence.
Prior to that the best chances had fallen to Leverkusen through André Schurrle and former Blue Michael Ballack.
Both times,Chelseagoalkeeper Petr Cech foiled the visitors.
Misfiring Fernando Torres huffed and puffed and had a first minute volley go high and wide of goal.
That was as good as it got for theSpain forward, but he was on hand to assist in both the Chelsea goals.
Daniel Sturridge had a fine shot saved by Leno on 64 minutes and Mata saw a point-blank shot brilliant tipped over the bar by Leno on 71 minutes.
Both sides had first half goals disallowed – the Germans for a foul and Raul Meireles’s neat back-heeler chalked off for offside.
Chelsea has got off to the perfect start in the quest for a Champions League title.
The only blot on the landscape was the injury sustained by Luiz who limped off on 76 minutes – he will be a doubt for the visit to Old Trafford on Sunday.