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Celebration was for fans – Terry

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Chelsea captain John Terry says his goal celebration in Sunday’s FA Cup victory over Stoke was a tribute to Blues fans for their support.

Terry has endured a turbulent few weeks following allegations about his private life and lost the England captaincy.

After heading Chelsea’s second goal in a 2-0 quarter-final win, he celebrated by pointing to his captain’s armband.

“The armband means a lot. Chelsea have been supportive. We wanted to show the fans what it meant to us,” said Terry.

Terry was booed throughout Sunday’s tie at Stamford Bridge by the visiting Stoke supporters, who lambasted the 29-year-old over his alleged affair with Vanessa Perroncel, the ex-girlfriend of former Chelsea team-mate and current Manchester City defender Wayne Bridge.

Terry, who was stripped of the England captaincy by national coach Fabio Capello last month after the allegations came to light, was also barracked by a small minority of home fans during the international friendly win over Egypt at Wembley on Wednesday.

When questioned about the verbal abuse aimed at Terry, Chelsea assistant coach Ray Wilkins replied: “John’s dealing with the situation in the only way he can – committing himself to the cause.

“He’s an exceptional captain and we’re delighted to have him on board. He leads these players on the pitch in fantastic fashion.

“He was taking a bit too much stick from the Stoke fans and wanted to demonstrate that.”

Stoke manager Tony Pulis defended the Potters fans over their treatment of Terry and suggested the defender could win fans over at the World Cup in South Africa this summer.

“Our fans are brilliant, different class,” stated Pulis. “John will have to accept he’ll take stick.

“He took stick from England supporters the other night but if he does well in the World Cup and wins it, he’ll come back a hero.”

Terry’s form has undoubtedly dipped during the fall-out from the recent newspaper revelations, but his performance against Stoke – capped by his powerful 67th-minute header – represented a marked improvement.

The Blues grew in stature and confidence throughout the match to record a deserved victory over a powerful Stoke side to set up a semi-final clash with Aston Villa.

The win was Chelsea’s first in three matches following a 2-1 defeat by Inter Milan in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on 24 February and the 4-2 Premier League home loss to Manchester City three days later.

“I thought we played well and bounced back from last week,” added Terry. “We had a couple of days to work on their set-plays but they can play as well.”

Despite seeing Stoke exit the FA Cup, Pulis was proud of his side and their achievements in the competition this season.

“The players were first class,” he said. “We gave everything and had a right go.

“We’ve knocked Arsenal and Man City out so to pull Chelsea out of the hat at Stamford Bridge was a difficult tie.”

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Chelsea 2-0 Stoke

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John Terry will grab the headlines for all the right reasons after scoring Chelsea’s second goal to help them sink Stoke and reach the FA Cup semi-finals.

The home skipper has been the subject of a host of allegations about his private life of late, but headed in a Frank Lampard corner to seal the win.

Lampard himself opened the scoring when his 20-yard drive was deflected in.

Stoke rarely threatened, and only then from set pieces, as holders Chelsea set up a last-four clash with Aston Villa.

And it was perhaps fitting that Terry – so revered by the Chelsea supporters – should have grabbed the hosts’ all important second goal as the 29-year-old ended another difficult week on a high.

The centre-half has undoubtedly been off colour in recent weeks during the fallout of the newspaper revelations, but this was a determined return to his best from the Chelsea captain, both in defence and attack.

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And while he may have been barracked by a small section of England fans during the midweek friendly defeat of Egypt, there is no doubting the regard he is held in by the Stamford Bridge faithful.

There is little argument that recent weeks have seen Chelsea endure the most difficult period of their season so far.

The Terry saga has been well documented, injuries to Petr Cech and Ashley Cole, among others, have uncovered something of a soft centre to their squad, and consecutive defeats to Inter Milan and Manchester City have all seen their campaign stutter of late.

But this might prove something of a turning point for the Londoners following a performance that saw them grow in stature and confidence the longer the game went on.

This was always likely to be a match-up of Chelsea’s guile and Stoke’s physicality – and so it proved.

Cech’s absence has meant a run in the Blues goal for Hilario, but the Portuguese keeper is simply not in the Czech’s class and he looked vulnerable throughout against the visitors’ barrage at set pieces.

As early as the fifth minute Stoke could have made the most of a Rory Delap throw, Mamady Sidibe flicking over from Robert Huth’s header, before the same player forced a good close-range block from Alex.

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Neither came as close as Whitehead, though, who latched on to a tame Hilario punch clear to lash goalwards, forcing Jon Obi Mikel into a fine clearance on the line.

However, that was about as close to a goal as Stoke came to a goal, although Ricardo Fuller forced a smart stop from Hilario in injury time with the game all but done and dusted.

In between, Chelsea were in complete control.

Nicolas Anelka should have opened the scoring when he forced an error from Whitehead on the edge of the area only to lash wide of the far post.

But five minutes later, the hosts were ahead. A Florent Malouda corner caused problems in the Stoke defence, Terry laid it back to Lampard and the England midfielder lashed in from 20 yards via a deflection off Abdoulaye Faye.

It could have been 2-0 before the break but Stoke keeper Thomas Sorensen got down well to keep out Didier Drogba’s volley, while the visitors then had Andy Wilkinson to thank for two fantastic blocks in quick succession, from an Anelka header and then an Alex header.

Chelsea’s deserved second was not too long in coming, though, with Terry muscling his way among the Stoke defence to head in Lampard’s corner.

Only a string of saves from Sorensen kept the score down thereafter, Lampard denied from range and Salomon Kalou and Anelka both stinging the Stoke keeper’s palms from inside the area.

As it was those misses did not prove crucial and Chelsea, clear favourites to win the tournament for a sixth time now, eased their way into the last four for the fourth time in the last five years

Stoke, on the other hand, will turn their attention back to the Premier League as their wait to reach a first FA Cup final goes on.

Chelsea assistant coach Ray Wilkins:
“(The barracking from away supporters) is happening and John’s just getting on with the situation.

“I’m not too happy about it, but there’s nothing I can do. He’s dealing with the situation in the only way he can – committing himself to the cause, and that was another superb performance from him.

“He’s an exceptional captain and we’re delighted to have him on board. He leads these players on the pitch in fantastic fashion and scored a great second goal.”

Stoke manager Tony Pulis:
“Our fans are brilliant, different class. John will have to accept he’ll take stick. He took stick from England supporters the other night.

“If John does well in the World Cup and wins it, he’ll come back a hero.

“As for the game, we’ve knocked Arsenal and Man City out of the FA Cup and to pull Chelsea out of the hat at Stamford Bridge was a difficult tie.

“The players were first class, though, we gave everything and had a right go.”

Live text and stats

Sunday, 7 March 2010

The FA Cup

Final Result
Full Time
90:00+2:11 The final whistle is blown by the referee.
90:00+1:08 The referee blows for offside against Nicolas Anelka. Indirect free kick taken by Thomas Sorensen.
90:00+0:16 Corner taken by Liam Lawrence.
89:52 Corner from the left by-line taken by Liam Lawrence, Branislav Ivanovic makes a clearance.
89:40 Ricardo Fuller takes a shot. Henrique Hilario makes a save.
88:55 Effort on goal by Nicolas Anelka from inside the box misses to the right of the target.
86:34 Outswinging corner taken right-footed by Liam Lawrence, clearance made by Didier Drogba.
85:35 Booking Booking for John Terry for unsporting behaviour.
85:27 John Terry gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Ricardo Fuller. Dean Whitehead restarts play with the free kick.
82:19 Dave Kitson gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Branislav Ivanovic. Branislav Ivanovic restarts play with the
free kick.
81:25 Abdoulaye Faye produces a header from deep inside the six-yard box that clears the bar.
79:58 Abdoulaye Faye produces a header from inside the six-yard box that clears the bar.
79:14 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Dave Kitson by Alex. Liam Lawrence takes the direct free kick.
78:50 A cross is delivered by Frank Lampard, save by Thomas Sorensen.
77:46 Liam Lawrence crosses the ball, Alex makes a clearance.
77:07 Salomon Kalou fouled by Dave Kitson, the ref awards a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Branislav Ivanovic.
75:54 Ricardo Fuller is flagged offside by the assistant referee. Alex takes the direct free kick.
75:00 Salomon Kalou takes a short corner.
74:46 Effort on goal by Frank Lampard from 30 yards. Save by Thomas Sorensen.
72:36 Unfair challenge on Danny Pugh by Didier Drogba results in a free kick. Thomas Sorensen takes the free kick.
70:20 Andy Wilkinson delivers the ball, clearance made by Mikel.
66:59 Frank Lampard provided the assist for the goal.
66:59 GOAL – John Terry:Chelsea 2 – 0 Stoke John Terry scores a headed goal from inside the six-yard box. Chelsea 2-0 Stoke.
66:33 Florent Malouda takes a outswinging corner. Corner taken by Frank Lampard from the right by-line,
66:07 Nicolas Anelka takes a shot. Save made by Thomas Sorensen.
65:45 Free kick awarded for a foul by Danny Pugh on Mikel. Branislav Ivanovic restarts play with the free kick.
64:27 Liam Lawrence takes the inswinging corner, Robert Huth has a headed effort at goal from close range which goes wide of the
left-hand post.
60:16 Substitution Dave Kitson joins the action as a substitute, replacing Mamady Sidibe.
59:55 Substitution Tuncay Sanli leaves the field to be replaced by Liam Lawrence.
57:57 Nicolas Anelka has an effort at goal from outside the penalty box missing to the wide right of the target.
55:48 Rory Delap delivers the ball.
55:08 Salomon Kalou challenges Danny Pugh unfairly and gives away a free kick. Thomas Sorensen restarts play with the free kick.
54:53 Salomon Kalou crosses the ball, Robert Huth manages to make a clearance.
53:47 Corner taken left-footed by Florent Malouda, clearance by Robert Huth.
53:27 Paulo Ferreira crosses the ball.
51:44 Danny Pugh challenges Salomon Kalou unfairly and gives away a free kick. Didier Drogba has a direct shot on goal from the
free kick, save made by Thomas Sorensen.
48:54 Tuncay Sanli fouled by Alex, the ref awards a free kick. Robert Huth has a direct shot on goal from the free kick.
48:13 Frank Lampard takes a shot from just inside the penalty box which clears the bar.
47:16 Corner from right by-line taken by Frank Lampard.
45:01 The referee blows his whistle to start the second half.
Half Time
45:00+3:22 The referee blows for half time.
45:00+1:38 Outswinging corner taken by Florent Malouda from the left by-line, Header on goal by John Terry from inside the box goes harmlessly
over the target.
45:00+1:33 The ball is crossed by Paulo Ferreira, blocked by Andy Wilkinson.
45:00+1:14 Centre by Paulo Ferreira, Didier Drogba takes a shot. Thomas Sorensen makes a save.
44:16 Substitution Danny Pugh comes on in place of Glenn Whelan.
42:42 Henrique Hilario crosses the ball.
41:29 Dean Whitehead fouled by Mikel, the ref awards a free kick. Tuncay Sanli produces a shot on goal direct from the free kick.
39:09 Salomon Kalou fouled by Robert Huth, the ref awards a free kick. Shot comes in from Frank Lampard from the free kick, save
by Thomas Sorensen.
38:03 Outswinging corner taken by Glenn Whelan from the right by-line.
36:06 Corner from the left by-line taken by Glenn Whelan, save by Henrique Hilario.
35:46 Glenn Whelan takes the inswinging corner, Florent Malouda makes a clearance.
34:41 Assist on the goal came from John Terry.
34:41 GOAL – Frank Lampard:Chelsea 1 – 0 Stoke Frank Lampard finds the net with a goal from just outside the penalty box low into the middle of the goal. Chelsea 1-0 Stoke.
34:15 Outswinging corner taken from the left by-line by Florent Malouda.
33:58 Shot by Didier Drogba. Blocked by Dean Whitehead.
33:28 Outswinging corner taken by Florent Malouda from the left by-line, clearance by Danny Collins.
30:33 Shot from long range by Didier Drogba goes wide of the left-hand post.
30:16 Ricardo Fuller gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Branislav Ivanovic. Alex restarts play with the free kick.
28:42 Effort on goal by Nicolas Anelka from inside the box misses to the right of the target.
28:31 Frank Lampard takes a shot from 20 yards. Robert Huth gets a block in.
27:54 Mamady Sidibe is flagged offside by the assistant referee. Henrique Hilario restarts play with the free kick.
27:05 Outswinging corner taken by Florent Malouda, save made by Thomas Sorensen.
26:53 Branislav Ivanovic takes a shot. Blocked by Robert Huth.
26:50 Paulo Ferreira delivers the ball.
25:27 The ball is sent over by Florent Malouda, Thomas Sorensen makes a comfortable save.
22:56 Shot from outside the area by Paulo Ferreira misses to the left of the goal.
22:35 Paulo Ferreira crosses the ball, clearance made by Abdoulaye Faye.
21:41 Ricardo Fuller gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on John Terry. Free kick taken by Henrique Hilario.
21:37 The ball is swung over by Dean Whitehead, clearance made by John Terry.
20:20 Ricardo Fuller concedes a free kick for a foul on Mikel. Direct free kick taken by Mikel.
19:39 The assistant referee signals for offside against Salomon Kalou. Indirect free kick taken by Thomas Sorensen.
19:03 A cross is delivered by Paulo Ferreira, Abdoulaye Faye makes a clearance.
18:53 Centre by Frank Lampard, Danny Collins manages to make a clearance.
17:03 Danny Collins gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Salomon Kalou. Direct free kick taken by Frank Lampard.
15:50 Abdoulaye Faye challenges Didier Drogba unfairly and gives away a free kick. Henrique Hilario takes the direct free kick.
Correction – 14:17 Robert Huth has an effort at goal from 20 yards. Mikel gets a block in.
14:17 Dean Whitehead produces a volleyed right-footed shot from 20 yards. Blocked by Mikel.
12:37 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Mamady Sidibe by Mikel. Direct free kick taken by Thomas Sorensen.
11:19 A cross is delivered by Branislav Ivanovic, Andy Wilkinson fouled by Didier Drogba, the ref awards a free kick. Direct free
kick taken by Thomas Sorensen.
8:55 Glenn Whelan takes a inswinging corner.
8:05 Frank Lampard is penalised for handball and concedes a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Glenn Whelan. Ricardo Fuller takes
a shot. Blocked by Alex.
7:38 Nicolas Anelka takes a shot. Save made by Thomas Sorensen.
3:35 The assistant referee signals for offside against Didier Drogba. Thomas Sorensen takes the free kick.
2:34 Florent Malouda has a shot on goal from outside the box which misses right.
2:05 Outswinging corner taken from the right by-line by Frank Lampard, clearance made by Robert Huth.
1:57 Centre by Didier Drogba, Abdoulaye Faye makes a clearance.
1:24 Outswinging corner taken by Florent Malouda.
1:00 Paulo Ferreira sends in a cross, clearance made by Andy Wilkinson.
0:00 The match begins.

Live text and data provided by The Press Association.

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Chelsea hopeful of Joe Cole deal

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Ray Wilkins

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Wilkins discusses Joe Cole’s future

Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole still has a future at Stamford Bridge, says assistant coach Ray Wilkins.

Cole has failed to start regularly since his return from injury and his contract is due to expire this summer.

Talks to extend his deal have stalled prompting rumours of Cole’s departure but Wilkins is hopeful that the 28-year-old will stay at the club.

“We sincerely hope he will be here next season,” Wilkins said. “I am sure he and the club will sort it out.”

Cole and his representatives are thought to have infuriated Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich with their hard-line stance over wages during contract negotiations.

The midfielder, who has scored once since his return from a serious knee injury in September, is understood to be chasing wages in excess of 100,000 a week.

But Wilkins said he had spoken to former West Ham player Cole numerous times and said he was “upbeat” about his future at the club he joined in 2003.

“He loves Chelsea,” he added. “He wants to stay at Chelsea and I am sure that the club and his people will sort the situation out.

“We are desperate to keep Joe. I know the club are and we as a management group feel the same.

“He is a very valuable asset to us. It is a contractual situation that he and the club I am sure will sort out at a later stage.”

Wilkins dismissed suggestions that contract wrangles were affecting Cole’s form, insisting that he was returning from a 10-month lay-off and adding that the player is still in contention for a call-up to England’s World Cup squad.

“He was outstanding in the Carling Cup against Queens Park Rangers and then you find, when you have had a long lay off, that your form does drop.

“Joe has just had a dip in form. He has shown in certain games, when he has played, a lot more of that good form.

“He has got to get a little bit more consistency back and then there will not be a problem with him.

“I think he will give England something slightly different. He can play on both sides of the pitch and in different formations so Joe has a very good chance of being selected for England.”

Chelsea face Stoke on Sunday in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup and Wilkins says the holders still see the competition as a major target.

“The FA Cup is massive,” said Wilkins. “Thinking back to last May and the joy we experienced in the dressing room at Wembley. These guys play this game to win trophies and we want to win the trophy badly.”

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Terry hits back at Bellamy jibes

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Chelsea’s John Terry has hit back at Craig Bellamy after the Welshman’s comments about him following Manchester City’s win at Stamford Bridge.

Striker Bellamy scored twice in City’s 4-2 victory on Saturday and made a blunt attack on the former England captain’s off-field behaviour.

“I know what JT is like, everybody in football knows what he is like. That’s off the field,” stated Bellamy.

“People in glass houses should not throw stones,” said Terry in response.

Bellamy’s comments added further frustration to Blues skipper Terry, who was arguably at fault for at least one of the Manchester City goals.

Defender Terry also suffered the ignominy of seeing Bridge publicly refuse his offer of a handshake before the game.

Bridge’s snub went down badly with the Stamford Bridge crowd and the former Chelsea star was booed by the home fans, a development that baffled some of his Manchester City team-mates.

“I don’t know why the crowd reacted the way it did,” said Manchester City captain Shay Given. “I don’t see what he has done wrong.”

“Being the person Wayne is, he didn’t want to rub anything in,” added Bridge’s Manchester City and England team-mate Gareth Barry.

“He used to play for Chelsea, he kept his emotions to himself and his performance was brilliant.”

Bridge announced last week that he did not want to be considered for England’s upcoming friendly with Egypt on Wednesday, and also ruled himself out of the World Cup.

His decision followed allegations that Terry had an affair with his ex-girlfriend.

“Of course, I am sad to see Wayne has pulled out of the England squad,” added Barry.

“He is a great player and would improve the squad and team when he plays. But like many other people have said I respect his decision.

“You can’t imagine yourself in that position and what you’d do unless it happens to you.”

England coach Fabio Capello said on Saturday that he had not given up hope that Bridge might change his mind and feature in his second World Cup.

The Italian also confirmed that Terry will not regain the captaincy while he is in charge of the England team.

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Chelsea 2-4 Man City

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Manchester City inflicted Chelsea’s first home Premier League defeat this season in a game which began with Wayne Bridge refusing John Terry’s handshake.

Frank Lampard’s low strike put Chelsea ahead but Carlos Tevez equalised after a long ball was not dealt with, before Craig Bellamy shot beyond Hilario.

Tevez scored a penalty after Juliano Belletti saw red for a trip on Gareth Barry before a Bellamy tap-in.

Michael Ballack also saw red and Lampard scored a consolation penalty.

City had failed to score in their previous seven visits to Stamford Bridge, while Chelsea had only conceded eight at home in the Premier League all season.

But those statistics were rendered meaningless on an afternoon of triumph for City coach and former Inter Milan boss Roberto Mancini, who pitted his wits in the Premier League for the first time against ex-AC Milan manager Carlo Ancelotti.

City saw their hopes of silverware this season ended by their FA Cup defeat at Stoke in midweek but they boosted their prospects of a top-four finish by completing the double over Chelsea for the first time since 1957.

With Manchester United not in league action this weekend, victory would have taken Chelsea four points clear at the top of the Premier League.

But it was a disastrous afternoon for Ancelotti, whose side had only dropped points in one previous home game this season, a 3-3 draw with Everton.

What’s more, his team lacked discipline after the break and were vulnerable in defence, with Hilario looking particularly suspect.

All eyes before kick-off were focused on Terry and Bridge, who came face-to-face for the first time since allegations about the former’s relationship with the latter’s ex-partner.

As it turned out, Bridge – who this week ruled out playing for England at the World Cup – shunned Terry’s outstretched hand.

There was an anti-climatic feel to the start of the game, which was low on excitement but, on a heavy Stamford Bridge surface, high in mis-placed passes and stodgy midfield play.

Both sides set up with three across midfield operating behind three more attack-orientated players but Chelsea were the superior team and enjoyed the better of precious few early openings.

Florent Malouda drilled a thunderous long-range strike narrowly over the crossbar, Shay Given palmed clear from Joe Cole, Didier Drogba headed over and Vincent Kompany almost sliced an attempted clearance into his own net.

City seemed content to surrender territory and invite pressure – and Chelsea gradually forced some clear chances.

Drogba shot disappointingly over with a shot on the turn but Lampard made no mistake after running into space and collecting a precise pass from Cole before drilling the ball low across goal from 16 yards.

All City had mustered was a tame Adam Johnson free-kick but Tevez, on his return to the side after compassionate leave in Argentina, equalised with a smash and grab effort on the stroke of half-time that epitomised all the Argentine’s tenacious qualities.

Chelsea were partial architects of their own downfall as Jon Obi Mikel headed a long Bridge clearance towards his own goal but Tevez then repeatedly managed to hold off both Terry and Ricardo Carvalho before shooting limply beyond the outstretched but ultimately futile dive of Hilario.

City might even have led at the break after a Bellamy free-kick deep in injury time was met by an unmarked Joleon Lescott but the defender headed wide.

Bellamy, anonymous in the opening half, stunned the home crowd with his goal minutes after the restart.

A Chelsea attack broke down and Mikel found himself isolated against Bellamy marauding down the left flank.

It was an unfair contest and Bellamy burst into the box before shooting into the bottom corner from a very tight angle for another goal that was, at least in part, goalkeeping error.

There was little sign of an equaliser for the home side and it took a last-gasp clearance from Branislav Ivanovic to prevent Bellamy extending City’s lead.

Carlo Ancelotti

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No excuses for Chelsea’s bad day – Ancelotti

Ancelotti’s desperation was reflected in the fact that Drogba, Nicolas Anelka, Daniel Sturridge and Salomon Kalou were all on the field for the final 20 minutes.

But Tevez made it 3-1 for City with a powerful penalty into the corner after Barry had got the wrong side of Belletti, who tripped his opponent.

Ballack was dismissed after picking up a second yellow for a lunge on Tevez before Bellamy tapped home unmarked at the far post after 87 minutes following a low pass across goal from Shaun Wright-Phillips.

There was still more drama as Given saved from Anelka, who was later brought down in the box by Barry. That allowed Lampard to end the game with a consolation penalty.

Final Result
Full Time
90:00+5:06 The referee brings the game to a close.
90:00+4:48 The offside flag is raised against Roque Santa Cruz. Free kick taken by Florent Malouda.
90:00+3:06 Unfair challenge on Salomon Kalou by Nigel De Jong results in a free kick. The free kick is swung in left-footed by Florent
Malouda, Branislav Ivanovic gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Joleon Lescott. Shay Given restarts play with
the free kick.
90:00+0:34 Assist by Nicolas Anelka.
90:00+0:34 GOAL – Frank Lampard:Chelsea 2 – 4 Man City Penalty taken right-footed by Frank Lampard and scored. Chelsea 2-4 Man City.
89:52 Gareth Barry gives away a Penalty for an unfair challenge on Nicolas Anelka.
89:09 Substitution Silvio Sylvinho replaces Carlos Tevez.
86:37 Assist by Shaun Wright-Phillips.
86:37 GOAL – Craig Bellamy:Chelsea 1 – 4 Man City Goal scored by Craig Bellamy from close in to the bottom left corner of the goal. Chelsea 1-4 Man City.
86:35 The ball is crossed by Shaun Wright-Phillips,
85:49 A cross is delivered by Salomon Kalou, Pablo Zabaleta manages to make a clearance.
85:02 Shot on goal by Salomon Kalou from just inside the area clears the crossbar.
84:10 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Nicolas Anelka by Vincent Kompany. Didier Drogba shoots direct from the free
kick, Shay Given makes a comfortable save.
83:37 Inswinging corner taken right-footed by Didier Drogba from the left by-line to the near post, clearance made by Micah Richards.
83:25 Nicolas Anelka takes a shot. Shay Given makes a save.
82:37 Didier Drogba takes a shot. Save made by Shay Given.
80:34 Joleon Lescott takes the free kick.
80:34 Sent off Michael Ballack is sent off by the referee.
80:23 Michael Ballack concedes a free kick for a foul on Carlos Tevez.
79:42 Shot from just outside the box by Shaun Wright-Phillips misses to the right of the goal.
78:44 Frank Lampard takes a shot. Save by Shay Given.
Correction – 77:22 Substitution Roque Santa Cruz is brought on as a substitute for Wayne Bridge.
77:22 Substitution Wayne Bridge goes off and Roque Santa Cruz comes on.
75:56 Assist by Gareth Barry.
75:56 GOAL – Carlos Tevez:Chelsea 1 – 3 Man City Carlos Tevez scores a placed penalty. Chelsea 1-3 Man City.
74:42 Sent off Juliano Belletti sent off.
74:32 Juliano Belletti gives away a Penalty for an unfair challenge on Gareth Barry.
Correction – 73:56 Michael Ballack takes a shot. Save by Shay Given.
73:56 Michael Ballack takes a shot. Shay Given makes a save.
73:16 Michael Ballack produces a cross.
70:38 Branislav Ivanovic challenges Carlos Tevez unfairly and gives away a free kick. The free kick is swung in right-footed by
Craig Bellamy, clearance made by Frank Lampard. Outswinging corner taken right-footed by Craig Bellamy from the right by-line,
clearance by Didier Drogba.
70:07 Micah Richards challenges Salomon Kalou unfairly and gives away a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Frank Lampard.
69:27 Craig Bellamy takes a shot. Comfortable save by Henrique Hilario.
68:43 Substitution Ricardo Carvalho leaves the field to be replaced by Salomon Kalou.
68:31 The ball is sent over by Nicolas Anelka, Vincent Kompany manages to make a clearance.
68:09 Daniel Sturridge fouled by Craig Bellamy, the ref awards a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Daniel Sturridge.
67:18 Booking Michael Ballack is cautioned.
66:47 Effort from inside the six-yard box by Didier Drogba goes wide right of the target.
66:31 Nicolas Anelka takes a shot. Save made by Shay Given.
65:59 Centre by Gareth Barry, Foul by Micah Richards on Henrique Hilario, free kick awarded. Henrique Hilario takes the free kick.
65:12 Corner taken left-footed by Gareth Barry from the left by-line, Didier Drogba manages to make a clearance.
63:53 The ball is sent over by Daniel Sturridge.
60:54 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Joleon Lescott by Didier Drogba. Direct free kick taken by Vincent Kompany.
60:29 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Carlos Tevez by Branislav Ivanovic. Wayne Bridge takes the direct free kick.
59:16 Substitution Joe Cole leaves the field to be replaced by Daniel Sturridge.
59:16 Substitution Juliano Belletti is brought on as a substitute for Mikel.
59:16 Substitution Shaun Wright-Phillips on for Adam Johnson.
59:16 The referee blows for offside against Nicolas Anelka. Indirect free kick taken by Shay Given.
58:10 Carlos Tevez challenges Branislav Ivanovic unfairly and gives away a free kick. Michael Ballack restarts play with the free
kick.
57:47 Wayne Bridge takes the free kick.
57:47 Booking Branislav Ivanovic receives a yellow card for unsporting behaviour.
57:31 Unfair challenge on Gareth Barry by Branislav Ivanovic results in a free kick.
55:39 Nigel De Jong fouled by Didier Drogba, the ref awards a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Craig Bellamy.
55:15 Gareth Barry fouled by Joe Cole, the ref awards a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Wayne Bridge.
53:18 Micah Richards challenges Michael Ballack unfairly and gives away a free kick. Direct strike on goal from the free kick comes
in from Didier Drogba. Frank Lampard takes a outswinging corner from the right by-line to the near post, Pablo Zabaleta makes
a clearance.
50:35 Assist by Gareth Barry.
50:35 GOAL – Craig Bellamy:Chelsea 1 – 2 Man City Craig Bellamy finds the back of the net with a goal from inside the area to the bottom right corner of the goal. Chelsea 1-2
Man City.
50:17 The ball is swung over by Joe Cole.
Correction – 48:37 Wayne Bridge has a direct shot on goal from the free kick.
Correction – 48:37 Booking Pablo Zabaleta booked for dissent.
48:37 Wayne Bridge produces a shot on goal direct from the free kick.
48:37 Booking Vincent Kompany receives a caution for leaving the field of play without the referee’s permission.
48:01 Booking John Terry goes into the referee’s book.
Correction – 47:57 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Adam Johnson by John Terry.
47:57 John Terry challenges Adam Johnson unfairly and gives away a free kick.
47:17 John Terry concedes a free kick for a foul on Carlos Tevez. Free kick taken by Nigel De Jong.
45:01 The match restarts for the second half.
Half Time
45:00+3:46 The ref blows to signal half-time.
45:00+2:29 Ricardo Carvalho challenges Craig Bellamy unfairly and gives away a free kick. Centre by Craig Bellamy, Joleon Lescott has
a headed effort at goal from close range which goes wide of the left-hand upright.
45:00+1:29 Nicolas Anelka fouled by Micah Richards, the ref awards a free kick. Free kick taken by Nicolas Anelka.
45:00+0:26 GOAL – Carlos Tevez:Chelsea 1 – 1 Man City Carlos Tevez finds the back of the net with a goal from close in to the bottom left corner of the goal. Chelsea 1-1 Man City.
45:00+0:14 Effort on goal by Frank Lampard from 12 yards.
45:00+0:09 Joe Cole takes a shot. Shay Given makes a save.
44:14 Free kick awarded for a foul by Michael Ballack on Wayne Bridge. Wayne Bridge restarts play with the free kick.
41:41 Assist by Joe Cole.
41:41 GOAL – Frank Lampard:Chelsea 1 – 0 Man City Goal scored by Frank Lampard from inside the box to the bottom left corner of the goal. Chelsea 1-0 Man City.
40:54 Foul by Nigel De Jong on Michael Ballack, free kick awarded. Direct free kick taken by Michael Ballack.
39:33 Nicolas Anelka takes a shot. Frank Lampard gets a block in. Florent Malouda produces a left-footed shot from outside the penalty
area and misses left.
38:19 Foul by Mikel on Gareth Barry, free kick awarded. Wayne Bridge restarts play with the free kick.
36:32 Unfair challenge on Pablo Zabaleta by Didier Drogba results in a free kick. Joleon Lescott restarts play with the free kick.
35:44 The ball is crossed by Branislav Ivanovic, clearance by Vincent Kompany. Frank Lampard produces a left-footed shot from just
outside the box that goes wide right of the target. Effort on goal by Didier Drogba from deep inside the area goes harmlessly
over the bar.
34:32 Micah Richards challenges Nicolas Anelka unfairly and gives away a free kick. Free kick crossed left-footed by Florent Malouda.
31:16 Frank Lampard crosses the ball, Didier Drogba challenges Pablo Zabaleta unfairly and gives away a free kick. Free kick taken
by Shay Given.
31:07 A cross is delivered by Ricardo Carvalho, Joleon Lescott manages to make a clearance.
30:43 Corner taken right-footed by Frank Lampard from the right by-line to the near post, Vincent Kompany manages to make a clearance.
30:35 A cross is delivered by Didier Drogba, clearance made by Vincent Kompany.
28:13 Nicolas Anelka takes a shot. Comfortable save by Shay Given.
25:32 Craig Bellamy is caught offside. Henrique Hilario takes the indirect free kick.
25:17 The referee blows for offside. Wayne Bridge takes the indirect free kick.
24:06 The ball is crossed by Branislav Ivanovic, Didier Drogba has a header from inside the six-yard box and clears the crossbar.
23:35 Craig Bellamy is ruled offside. Ricardo Carvalho takes the indirect free kick.
22:19 Unfair challenge on Pablo Zabaleta by Joe Cole results in a free kick. Vincent Kompany takes the free kick.
18:33 The ball is sent over by Joe Cole, blocked by Micah Richards.
17:56 Joe Cole takes a shot. Save by Shay Given.
16:23 Foul by Florent Malouda on Adam Johnson, free kick awarded. Strike on goal comes in from Adam Johnson from the free kick,
comfortable save by Henrique Hilario.
15:44 Branislav Ivanovic produces a cross, save by Shay Given.
15:28 A cross is delivered by Branislav Ivanovic. Didier Drogba sends in a cross.
13:09 Micah Richards gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Didier Drogba. Didier Drogba takes the direct free kick.
Frank Lampard takes a shot. Blocked by Nigel De Jong.
12:13 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Wayne Bridge by Branislav Ivanovic. Direct free kick taken by Gareth Barry.
11:19 Florent Malouda takes a shot from deep inside the box clearing the bar.
10:49 Branislav Ivanovic crosses the ball, clearance by Vincent Kompany.
9:35 Free kick awarded for a foul by Florent Malouda on Adam Johnson. Adam Johnson delivers the ball from the free kick left-footed
from right wing.
8:11 Branislav Ivanovic takes a shot. Comfortable save by Shay Given.
7:14 Carlos Tevez handles the ball and concedes a free kick. Free kick taken by Mikel.
6:42 Frank Lampard challenges Pablo Zabaleta unfairly and gives away a free kick. Pablo Zabaleta takes the free kick.
5:08 Gareth Barry challenges Branislav Ivanovic unfairly and gives away a free kick. Michael Ballack takes the free kick.
4:29 Effort on goal by Frank Lampard from long range goes over the bar.
0:00 The match begins.

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Ancelotti has no excuses for loss

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Carlo Ancelotti

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No excuses for Chelsea’s bad day – Ancelotti

Carlo Ancelotti refused to blame the hype surrounding the conflict between John Terry and Wayne Bridge for his team’s 4-2 defeat by Manchester City.

Bridge refused to shake Terry’s hand prior to kick-off while City came from behind to inflict the first home defeat of the season for leaders Chelsea.

But Ancelotti said: “We were focused on the game and played a good first half.

“We made a mistake at the end of the first half and the start of the second half and that is why we lost the game.”

Chelsea had taken the lead through a crisp Frank Lampard strike but failed to clear a long punt up field as Carlos Tevez equalised, while Craig Bellamy struck on the break shortly after the restart.

The build-up had been dominated by the first face-to-face meeting between Bridge and Terry since allegations Terry had an affair with Bridge’s former’s ex-girlfriend.

Afterwards Bellamy said of the situation: “You guys [the media] make a lot more of it.

“I know what JT is like and nothing surprises me about it, so I’m not going to comment on that. I think everybody in football knows what the guy is like, but that’s off the field.

“On it he’s an outstanding player. He’s a great captain for Chelsea. It’s always going to be difficult when you play him and his team.”

Ancelotti added: “We made mistakes but John Terry did not make any.

“This thing has not affected his form. There is no reason to take him out of the team. There is no way. He is our captain.”

It was Bridge’s long clearance that led to City’s equaliser and afterwards City boss Roberto Mancini said of his defender’s performance: “Wayne for me played very well.

“Wayne Bridge has been playing well and this team has a fantastic spirit and for this reason we won this game.

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini

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Mancini praises Man City’s focus

“It was a difficult game because Chelsea is a fantastic team and has played for many years in the Champions League.”

Tevez scored from the penalty and Bellamy added a tap-in to make it 4-1 in the closing minutes before Lampard scored with a penalty in injury time.

And with Juliano Belletti and Michael Ballack sent off as Chelsea missed the opportunity to move four points clear of Manchester United at the top of the table, Ancelotti conceded it had been a disappointing afternoon for his team.

“We are not happy because we lost a game where we had a good performance in the first half,” added the former AC Milan boss.

“It was not a good day and we have to look forward. We are top of the league but it will be more difficult for us.

“I have confidence in this team and we are having a good season.”

Hilario was in goal, replacing the injured Petr Cech, and was beaten with a weak shot for City’s opener and from an acute angle for their second.

But the Chelsea boss said: “I don’t want to criticise him because all the team lost balance when we conceded.”

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Ancelotti cools Terry-Bridge hype

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Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti

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Ancelotti focused on game, not Terry and Bridge

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has moved to downplay the hype around the meeting between John Terry and Wayne Bridge in Saturday’s match with Manchester City.

Bridge quit England because of Terry’s alleged affair with his ex-girlfriend and the pair will come face-to-face for the first time since the scandal broke.

There is speculation over whether the pair will shake hands before the match.

But Ancelotti said the other players “are not interested” and insists Terry “will stay focused on the match”.

It is alleged that Terry, 29, had an affair with Vanessa Perroncel – the mother of Bridge’s child.

England centre-back Terry was sacked as captain of the national side by manager Fabio Capello earlier this month after the allegations came to light.

And 29-year-old Bridge, a former team-mate of Terry at Chelsea, said on Thursday he no longer wished to play for England because his position in the squad had become “untenable and potentially divisive”.

Much of the pre-match build-up to Saturday’s Stamford Bridge clash, which pits Ancelotti’s Premier League leaders against Roberto Mancini’s fifth-placed City, has focused on whether or not the pair would engage in a customary pre-match handshake.

However, Ancelotti said: “I don’t know how many people are interested in this. For sure, not the players.”

And the former AC Milan manager is certain his skipper, Terry, possesses the necessary character to not let the falling-out distract him when the action gets underway.

“John Terry is a professional and doesn’t have a problem staying focused on the match,” he said.

Roberto Mancini

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Bridge ready to face Terry – Mancini

“I haven’t spoken to him about this. I prefer to talk about football.”

City boss Mancini was also keen to play down the hype surrounding the pre-match pleasantries but was less certain as to his player’s ability to cope under pressure.

Asked whether Bridge was mentally ready for the Stamford Bridge clash, which pits leaders Chelsea against fifth-placed City, Mancini said: “I don’t know.

“I hope that he will have a good mentality because it is important for me, it is important for him, it is important for the club that we can do a good result in London.

“And I hope that Wayne can play well.”

“I think tomorrow Wayne must only concentrate on his game, not on the situation,” the former Sampdoria striker added.

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Inter Milan 2-1 Chelsea

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Chelsea suffered a first leg defeat to former boss Jose Mourinho’s Inter Milan in their Champions League last 16 tie.

Inter got off to the perfect start when Diego Milito cut inside and fired in with only three minutes gone.

Chelsea rallied from the early blow and after Salomon Kalou was denied a strong first-half penalty claim he was on hand to fire Chelsea level after half-time.

Parity was short-lived, with Esteban Cambiasso drilling in to give Inter a narrow lead to take to Stamford Bridge.

Predictably, it was Mourinho who took centre stage as it was the first match against the club he led for two-and-a-half seasons, but this was an encounter laden with context.

Current Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti led Inter’s local rivals AC Milan with aplomb between 2001 and 2009 and this was the first time he has brought a side to the city since leaving for west London last summer.

In addition, there is the added spice that former Champions League winners Mourinho and Ancelotti – the Portuguese with Porto in 2004, the Italian with Milan in 2003 and 2007 – are managers charged with repeating their feat in Europe’s premier club competition with their current clubs.

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Under Mourinho, Chelsea were often accused of an overly cautious approach that came at the expense of entertainment, but Ancelotti affords his charges greater licence to be expansive and, on the front foot, they are an attractive team to watch.

Unfortunately, they are occasionally susceptible at the back as a result and Inter capitalised on this fallibility with their very first attack.

With the ball won just inside the Chelsea half, firstly Thiago Motta and then Samuel Eto’o fed the ball through for Milito who, with space afforded by Wesley Schneider’s presence, stepped inside John Terry and beat Petr Cech at the near post.

Despite falling behind, Chelsea were not overawed and slowly began to assert themselves on the game, claiming the greater share of possession and attacking with intent.

However, they were limited to a series of long-range efforts by a hard-working home side.

Didier Drogba came closest with a powerfully struck 25-yard free-kick which beat Julio Cesar but struck the underside of the crossbar before being cleared to safety.

Ivory Coast international Drogba is the only African player with more career Champions League goals than ordinarily lethal Cameroonian Eto’o.

However, the Inter number nine missed a glorious opportunity to add to his tally of 18 Champions League goals just after the half-hour mark.

Schneider cut in from the left and drove a low cross over for the centrally positioned Eto’o in plenty of space and only eight yards out but he badly miscued his effort.

The half ended in controversy when a mistake in midfield gave Kalou a clear run on goal, but before he was able to shoot he was felled by a last-ditch tackle from Walter Samuel.

Referee Mejuto Gonzalez waved away calls for a penalty but replays showed that Kalou’s heels had been clipped by the defender.

Within five minutes of the restart Kalou’s anger had turned to jubilation as he brought his side level.

Branislav Ivanovic carried the ball deep into Inter territory, evading a number of challenges, before feeding Kalou 20 yards out and his side-foot shot beat Cesar and found the corner of the net.

Once again the sides were level but only for three minutes.

Schneider’s cross from the right was headed away by Ricardo Carvalho to Cambiasso, whose first shot was blocked by Ivanovic but his second, from 18 yards was drilled perfectly into the far corner.

It was a decisive blow so soon after Chelsea had deservedly levelled and the Blues never fully recovered their composure.

There were intermittent glimpses of their capabilities; most notably when Drogba and Nicolas Anelka combined for the latter to provide a golden chance for Frank Lampard eight yards out, but Cesar was equal to it.

A single-goal first leg deficit will not worry Ancelotti, but the sight of goalkeeper Cech being carried injured from the pitch was more concerning with the season entering a crucial phase.

Fears that Cech had badly damaged a knee were dispelled when it was revealed that he had suffered a calf injury.

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Wednesday, 24 February 2010

Champions League

Final Result
Full Time
90:00+2:59 The referee ends the match.
90:00+2:19 Foul by Didier Drogba on Ferreira Lucio, free kick awarded. Walter Samuel takes the direct free kick.
90:00+1:09 Corner taken by Frank Lampard, Close range effort by Michael Ballack goes wide of the right-hand upright.
89:12 Free kick awarded for a foul by Didier Drogba on Ferreira Lucio. Soares Julio Cesar restarts play with the free kick.
87:38 Effort on goal by Mikel from outside the penalty box goes harmlessly over the bar.
86:31 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Ferreira Lucio by Mikel. Direct free kick taken by Soares Julio Cesar.
86:09 Foul by Javier Zanetti on Didier Drogba, free kick awarded. Free kick taken by Branislav Ivanovic.
83:19 Direct free kick taken by Florent Malouda.
83:19 Substitution Sulley Muntari joins the action as a substitute, replacing Dejan Stankovic.
83:19 Mario Balotelli challenges Frank Lampard unfairly and gives away a free kick.
82:42 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Ferreira Lucio by Didier Drogba. Soares Julio Cesar takes the free kick.
81:05 The ball is crossed by Branislav Ivanovic, save by Soares Julio Cesar.
79:32 Sisenando Maicon concedes a free kick for a foul on Daniel Sturridge. Direct free kick taken by Florent Malouda.
78:30 The offside flag is raised against Mario Balotelli. Free kick taken by Henrique Hilario.
78:04 Florent Malouda challenges Mario Balotelli unfairly and gives away a free kick. Sisenando Maicon takes the direct free kick.
76:52 Free kick taken by Soares Julio Cesar.
76:52 Substitution (Chelsea) makes a substitution, with Daniel Sturridge coming on for Salomon Kalou.
76:52 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Ferreira Lucio by Salomon Kalou.
75:43 Effort by Sisenando Maicon from a long way out goes over the target.
72:19 Outswinging corner taken right-footed by Frank Lampard played to the near post.
70:00 Esteban Cambiasso takes a shot. Branislav Ivanovic gets a block in.
69:06 The referee blows for offside against Nicolas Anelka. Walter Samuel takes the indirect free kick.
68:16 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Florent Malouda by Mario Balotelli. Direct free kick taken by John Terry.
66:43 Sisenando Maicon takes the direct free kick.
66:43 Substitution Goran Pandev comes on in place of Samuel Eto’o.
66:43 Sisenando Maicon fouled by Florent Malouda, the ref awards a free kick.
65:10 Free kick awarded for a foul by Didier Drogba on Samuel Eto’o. Esteban Cambiasso restarts play with the free kick.
64:38 The ball is sent over by Nicolas Anelka, Frank Lampard produces a volleyed right-footed shot from 12 yards. Save by Soares
Julio Cesar.
63:52 Samuel Eto’o has an effort at goal from just outside the penalty box which goes wide of the left-hand post.
62:03 Samuel Eto’o fouled by Branislav Ivanovic, the ref awards a free kick. Soares Julio Cesar restarts play with the free kick.
59:16 Free kick taken by Mikel.
59:16 Substitution (Chelsea) makes a substitution, with Henrique Hilario coming on for Petr Cech.
59:16 Unfair challenge on Mikel by Esteban Cambiasso results in a free kick.
58:04 Unfair challenge on Mario Balotelli by Mikel results in a free kick. Sisenando Maicon takes the free kick.
57:21 Substitution Mario Balotelli replaces Thiago Motta.
54:20 GOAL – Esteban Cambiasso:Inter Milan 2 – 1 Chelsea Esteban Cambiasso finds the back of the net with a goal from the edge of the penalty box to the bottom right corner of the
goal. Inter Milan 2-1 Chelsea.
54:11 Esteban Cambiasso produces a volleyed left-footed shot from 25 yards. Ricardo Carvalho gets a block in.
53:23 The ball is delivered by Florent Malouda, save by Soares Julio Cesar.
52:52 The ball is crossed by Nicolas Anelka, Esteban Cambiasso makes a clearance.
51:59 Nicolas Anelka concedes a free kick for a foul on Wesley Sneijder. Free kick taken by Javier Zanetti.
50:08 Assist on the goal came from Branislav Ivanovic.
50:08 GOAL – Salomon Kalou:Inter Milan 1 – 1 Chelsea Salomon Kalou fires in a goal from outside the penalty box to the bottom right corner of the goal. Inter Milan 1-1 Chelsea.
48:51 The ball is swung over by Branislav Ivanovic, save by Soares Julio Cesar.
46:38 Florent Malouda delivers the ball, Header from close range by Didier Drogba misses to the right of the target.
46:09 Samuel Eto’o is ruled offside. Ricardo Carvalho takes the indirect free kick.
45:01 The referee gets the second half underway.
Half Time
45:00+1:16 It is the end of the first-half.
43:15 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Thiago Motta by Michael Ballack. Wesley Sneijder produces a shot on goal direct
from the free kick.
42:09 Free kick awarded for a foul by Florent Malouda on Dejan Stankovic. Free kick taken by Sisenando Maicon.
41:12 The official flags Samuel Eto’o offside. Indirect free kick taken by Petr Cech.
40:23 Frank Lampard takes a shot. Walter Samuel gets a block in.
39:41 Frank Lampard takes a outswinging corner.
36:51 Unfair challenge on Michael Ballack by Diego Milito results in a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Michael Ballack.
36:25 The ball is delivered by Didier Drogba, Headed effort from deep inside the penalty area by Salomon Kalou goes harmlessly over
the crossbar.
35:26 Florent Malouda fouled by Thiago Motta, the ref awards a free kick. Petr Cech takes the free kick.
33:57 Branislav Ivanovic sends in a cross, clearance by Walter Samuel.
Correction – 32:53 Samuel Eto’o takes a shot. John Terry makes a clearance.
32:53 Samuel Eto’o takes a shot. John Terry gets a block in.
32:40 Wesley Sneijder sends in a cross, Didier Drogba manages to make a clearance.
32:00 Branislav Ivanovic concedes a free kick for a foul on Diego Milito. Wesley Sneijder crosses the ball in from the free kick,
save by Petr Cech.
31:23 Shot from 35 yards by Frank Lampard went wide right of the target.
30:12 Didier Drogba takes a shot. Save by Soares Julio Cesar.
28:56 Mikel takes a shot. Save by Soares Julio Cesar.
28:38 Nicolas Anelka fouled by Dejan Stankovic, the ref awards a free kick. Salomon Kalou takes the direct free kick.
27:04 Salomon Kalou gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Ferreira Lucio. Free kick taken by Soares Julio Cesar.
23:23 Effort from the edge of the penalty box by Didier Drogba goes wide of the right-hand upright.
22:45 Esteban Cambiasso takes the direct free kick.
22:45 Booking The referee shows Salomon Kalou a yellow card for unsporting behaviour.
22:28 Wesley Sneijder fouled by Salomon Kalou, the ref awards a free kick.
21:35 Booking Booking for Diego Milito.
18:10 Effort from inside the area by Didier Drogba misses to the left of the target.
17:46 Michael Ballack takes a shot. Save made by Soares Julio Cesar.
Correction – 15:07 Salomon Kalou takes a shot. Save by Soares Julio Cesar.
15:07 Didier Drogba takes a shot. Soares Julio Cesar makes a save.
13:45 Dejan Stankovic gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Michael Ballack. Strike comes in from Didier Drogba from
the free kick,
12:53 Shot by Samuel Eto’o. Petr Cech makes a comfortable save.
11:39 Salomon Kalou takes a shot. Save by Soares Julio Cesar.
10:40 Nicolas Anelka has an effort at goal from just inside the box that misses to the left of the goal.
9:17 Free kick taken by John Terry.
9:17 Booking Thiago Motta is booked.
8:41 Thiago Motta concedes a free kick for a foul on Michael Ballack.
6:05 Unfair challenge on Dejan Stankovic by Frank Lampard results in a free kick. Soares Julio Cesar takes the free kick.
5:51 The ball is sent over by Branislav Ivanovic, clearance made by Walter Samuel.
4:19 Frank Lampard is adjudged to have handled the ball. Free kick taken by Walter Samuel.
2:40 Samuel Eto’o provided the assist for the goal.
2:40 GOAL – Diego Milito:Inter Milan 1 – 0 Chelsea Diego Milito scores a goal from inside the penalty area to the bottom left corner of the goal. Inter Milan 1-0 Chelsea.
0:00 The ref blows the whistle to begin the match.

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Keeper Cech suffers calf injury

Filed under: Chelsea by: admin

Chelsea are to monitor goalkeeper Petr Cech after he was stretchered off with a calf injury in the second half of the Champions League defeat at Inter Milan.

The 27-year-old Czech international took a cross unchallenged but fell in agony after landing in the 2-1 loss.

He immediately signalled to the bench and the injury looked serious, but it will be assessed in the next few days.

“We have to wait and control his condition over the next few days,” said Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti.

“He has an injury on his calf,” added Chelsea’s Italian manager. “We cannot say now when he will return to the squad.”

Cech had surgery for a skull fracture after a collision with Reading’s Stephen Hunt in October 2006.

He was out for three months after that horrific injury and has since worn a protective headguard.

Chelsea currently lead the Premier League by a point with a game in hand on nearest rivals Manchester United, and are still in contention for the Champions League and FA Cup.

On Wednesday he was replaced by Portuguese veteran Hilario, with 25-year-old former England Under-20 keeper Ross Turnbull, who joined the club last summer on a free transfer from Middlesbrough, the club’s other goalkeeping reserve.

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Mourinho confident of progression

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Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho thinks his side have a good chance of reaching the Champions League last eight after their 2-1 first leg win over Chelsea.

The match at the San Siro in Italy was Mourinho’s first against Chelsea since leaving the club in 2007.

“We can go there with a legitimate ambition to go through,” said Mourinho.

“It’s obviously not the result which ends the tie, it’s not 3-0 or 4-0, but the most important thing is the result and we are ahead,” he added.

Mourinho made a shock exit from Stamford Bridge in September 2007, having led Chelsea to successive Premier League titles.

And the Portuguese coach admitted that his return to Stamford Bridge for the second leg on 16 March is likely to be emotional affair.

“I have to control my emotions and have to be professional like I was today,” said Mourinho.

“In the tunnel, it is not a normal game for me – and it is not for them either – but when the game starts, it becomes normal for them and for me; they want to win and I want to win.

“At Stamford Bridge, I don’t expect anything other than people to be glad to have me back as we worked so well together.

“This time I will go back to a different dressing room, a different dugout and but I know normally Mourinho is lucky at Stamford Bridge.”

Mourinho saw his side produce a committed performance on Wednesday to overcome his former charges.

Striker Diego Milito gave the home side the perfect start, taking advantage of some poor defending from John Terry and firing in after just three minutes.

Salomon Kalou equalised for Chelsea just after half-time with a 20-yard side-foot shot but just three minutes later Inter were ahead again courtesy of Esteban Cambiasso’s superb strike.

Just before the break, Kalou was controversially denied a penalty when Walter Samuel seemed to clip his heels after the Ivorian striker looked certain to score after running clear.

However, referee Mejuto Gonzalez waved away the protests from the away side.

“I thought it was a penalty,” said Chelsea boss Ancelotti. “But it is only a penalty when the referee whistles.”

Ancelotti, who was taking a side to Milan for the first time since quitting AC Milan for west London in the summer was also confident that his side could progress into the quarter-finals of the competition on the basis of the first leg.

“I think that what we saw tonight, we have the chance to turn it around,” said Ancelotti.

“I think we played well. We leave without a positive result, but it’s not an ugly one either.

“We will play to attack and win the second leg in the same way we did in this game.

“We tried to attack and score from the first to the last minute.”

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