Half-time: Galatasaray 0 Chelsea 1
Fernando Torres marked his return to Chelsea’s starting line-up with the goal that puts them in a commanding position in their Champions League last-16 game in Turkey.
The Blues seized control from the off and could have been further ahead after a dominant first-half display.
Galatasaray, with Chelsea legend Didier Drogba leading the line, left huge gaps at the back and the visitors should already have been ahead by the time Torres opened the scoring.
But Willian’s chipped effort was headed clear by goalkeeper Fernando Musleran, who redeemed himself after racing out of his goal and hopelessly mis-kicking the ball straight to the Brazilian.
Within nine minutes Chelsea deservedly had the lead anyway.
A slick move on the right saw Andre Schurrle slip the ball to Cesar Azpilicueta, whose pull-back was knocked in by his fellow Spaniard Torres.
And Chelsea continued to threaten.
Frank Lampard blasted a free-kick well over, Ramires also shot over after good work by Schurrle and the Blues failed to make the most of numerous counter attacks.
The Turkish side barely threatened until the final 10 minutes of the half, when they began to enjoy some periods of possession in Chelsea’s half.
They did have the ball in the net just before the break but there were two balls on the pitch and play was rightly halted.
Chelsea: Cech; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta; Ramires, Lampard; Willian, Hazard, Schurrle; Torres.
Subs: Schwarzer, Cole, Kalas, Mikel, Oscar, Ba, Eto’o.
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