Sparta Prague 0 Chelsea 1
Unfortunately, the first half didn't quite go as Claudio would have planned. Adrian Mutu had a couple of half chances but other than that the Blues mustered very little. But Mutu's game was to end prematurely. He was caught with a late challenge after half an hour and, despite playing out the rest of the half, he was to be replaced at half time.
Damien Duff and Frank Lampard came on at the break in place of Mutu and Manu Petit and the difference was apparent to everyone. Finally, a bit of width! Chelsea Mad legend Steve Furlong pointed out to me: "We looked like Liverpool in the first half!"
The changes also allowed Seba a more advanced role, similar to the one he played at Anfield to start the season. And he soon found his range, running the show like an NFL quarterback would!
Twice he sent Crespo in the clear, twice Crespo fluffed his lines! Duff also almost forced an own goal from the Czech's as he tried to play in Crespo. As the men in Blue began to dominate proceedings even more so, Glen Johnson skinned two players before playing in Crespo again. The Argentine failed to hit the back of the net once more and his evening would soon end- he was replaced by Jimmy Floyd with 20 minutes remaining.
And just as it looked like the game would end in a stalemate, Chelsea snatched the victory with the simplest of goals. Duff made a bit of space for himself on the right and swung in an inswinging near post cross. Jimmy flicked it on superbly and William Gallas sweeped the ball home!
It was a deserved victory here in Prague and one which should enable us to make a safe passage into the next phase. I know it's early doors yet but if we just win our home games now then it would still be enough to take us through.
So, with Jimmy Floyd Hasslebaink, Hernan Crespo and Adrian Mutu all playing part at some stage it just had to be a defender that scored the winner!