Chelsea look well placed to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League following their 1-1 draw against Galatasaray. Here’s how we rated the players in the first leg In Istanbul.
Petr Cech: 6
Rarely involved in the first half but called into action after the interval to make two important saves. Could have done better with the goal, when it seemed as though he should have come for the cross.
Branislav Ivanovic: 6
Solid. Barely featured in attack but did his defensive work without cause for concern.
John Terry : 7
Played his long-time team-mate Didier Drogba as well as anyone managed during the Ivorian’s eight years at Chelsea. Rose to the physical challenge and was never troubled in behind. But along with Cech he could be faulted for his part in the equaliser.
Gary Cahill: 8
Commanding and powerful and like Terry was comfortable in open play. Almost put through his own net with an unlucky deflection but did not put a foot wrong.
Cesar Azpilicueta: 8
Carried on where he left off against Everton. Energetic and – even without the obvious excellent assist for the opening goal – was superb providing width and supporting the attack.
Ramires: 7
Used the ball as well as he has done all season in the first half and was always in the thick of the action. Took a nasty whack to the face but reappeared and never shirked the midfield battle.
Frank Lampard: 6
Spent much of his time sliding into challenges and winning possession. Played a solid part in Chelsea’s dominant first half even though he did not catch the eye. Steady without being a major influence.
Andre Schurrle: 7
Made an important contribution for Fernando Torres’ goal and provided bustle, workrate and direct running. Guilty of some sloppy decisions and delivery in the final third but cannot be faulted for his effort.
Willian: 6
Seems to thrive in the more central role. Should have scored early on with a chip, although it was a good save, and provided a constant threat on the break. Decision making was far from perfect though and like his attacking colleagues, his chances were limited in the second half.
Eden Hazard: 7
Just about the pick of Chelsea’s attackers but faded after the break as the hosts won the midfield battle. Used the ball well enough and was strong in possession but could not find a killer pass when it was needed.
Fernando Torres: 7
Not wholly convincing and not at his sharpest, but was bright and always involved and made some intelligent runs throughout. Took his goal well and was unlucky not to get a second soon after the break when denied by keeper Fernando Musleran’s fine one-handed save.
John Mikel Obi: 7
Offered Chelsea fresh legs in midfield when brought on in the second half. Did well.
Samuel Eto’o: 6
A willing runner up front but was unable to make much of an impact after being brought off the bench.
Man of the match: Cahill
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This post was last modified on 27/02/2014
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Its a vital away point game well played. Shurrle showed he can play a part in the team, needs more game time as Oscar regains form. Gala lucky to have a point but on another day chelsea will carry all.