Chelsea almost got off to a flyer when, with just over ten minutes gone, Adrian Mutu turned into space and hit a fizzing low drive just wide of the post. Lazio had been warned!
Mutu's strike partner for the night Eidur Gudjohnsen had a great chance shortly after when he was released down the left flank. Eidur cut inside and, with the crowd waiting for him to put his foot through the ball, he instead opted to try and play it to Mutu- Lazio cleared easily....
Seba Veron was playing very well for us as he tried to dictate things from deep but his efforts seemed to go to waste as his former side defended superbly. And Lazio were to score completely against the run of time prior to half time.
Oddo lofted in a high cross which was headed back across goal by Dejan Stankovic for Simone Inzaghi to power the ball home. What a sucker punch!
But we were so very nearly level before half time. Frank Lampard cut inside his man and hit a fierce left footed drive which cannoned against the bar. The ball then fell to Seba Veron and the Argentine's touch was so good it beat two men, although a third Lazio defender managed to block his shot!
After the break, Chelsea rarely threatened up until the goal. Duff had a decent effort saved by Peruzzi but then came the goal. Duff was involved again, playing the ball into Gudjohnsen down the left. Eidur saw Frank Lampard in space on the edge of the box and his ball was inch perfect as Lamps crashed the ball into the top corner. Get in there Chelsea!
Shortly after the hour, the brilliant but tiring Veron was replaced by Gronkjaer. And the Dane had an instant impact on the game, crossing low for Mutu. The Romanian's first shot, with his right foot, was blocked by Mijalovic but the ball fell to him again, on his left foot this time. And he made no mistake! MU-TU, MU-TU!
As the half wore on, Lazio started to attack in numbers and Carlo had to be at his best on several occasions to keep the lead intact.
Another famous European night at Stamford Bridge- and, for a change, it was an Englishman that stole the show!