Half-time: Chelsea 1 Schalke 0

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Cesc Fabregas’ first goal for Chelsea gave them a flying start in their opening Champions League game.

Fabregas struck in the 11th minute when he found Eden Hazard on the left and then collected the Belgian’s pass before firing beyond keeper Ralf Fährmann.

Schalke were unhappy as Fabregas appeared to foul Max Meyer in the build-up, but Chelsea deserve their lead.

They made a bright start and Ramires should have put them ahead but miscued after being found by Didier Drogba.

And after the opener, Hazard’s low shot was blocked before Fabregas might have scored a second but blazed over following great work on the right by Branislav Ivanovic.

At the other end, Chelsea keeper Thibaut Courtois did well when he was finally called upon, palming away an effort from former Tottenham man Kevin-Prince Boateng.

And in the final minute of the first half, Julian Draxler missed a great chance for the German side when he shot wide of the far post.

Drogba recovered from an ankle problem in time for the match and is making his first start since returning to Stamford Bridge, while summer signing Filipe Luis was handed his full debut.

Chelsea: Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Luis; Matic, Fabregas; Ramires, Willian, Hazard; Drogba.
Subs: Cech, Zouma, Azpilicueta, Mikel, Oscar, Remy, Costa.

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