Half-time: FC Nordsjaelland 0 Chelsea 1

Juan Mata’s coolly taken finish gave Chelsea the advantage after a hard-fought and refreshingly open first half in Denmark.

Fernando Torres did brilliantly to rob Enoch Aduon the edge of the box and find Frank Lampard, whose fine first-time pass was slid in to the net by the on-rushing Mata.

The Spaniard’s goal was a relief to the European champions, who were pushed all the way by a side prepared to play out from the back, take risks and commit men forward.

Chelsea’s task may have been easier had Victor Moses managed to put them ahead inside four minutes.

But Jores Okore raced back and headed the ball away via the outside of the post.

Lampard, recalled in central midfield at the expense of John Mikel Obi, shot narrowly over early on and Torres also went close with two one-on-one opportunities.

And although the hosts played their part in an entertaining encounter, they created few decent chances against a Chelsea defence missing skipper John Terry.

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