Chelsea 2 - 1 Cluj

Chelsea did not have things all their own way, but they achieved their mission to reach the last sixteen in the Champions League.

There is no doubt that Luiz Felipe Scolari has a wealth of talent, at his disposal, like being able to introduce the likes of Didier Drogba from the bench, and field a successful team, without the significant skills of the suspended Frank Lampard.

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Chelsea did plenty of attacking but seemed susceptible to probing counter attacks. However, their efforts were rewarded just before half time, when Kalou found space and slotted the ball home.

After the interval it became apparent that Cluj were not done with. In the 55th minute they equalized with what was probably the best attacking move of the game. An accurate pass from Panin, found Kone with time to spare at the far post, and his powerful header gave goalkeeper Petr Cech no chance. So it was still all to play for, with the visitors starting to look more menacing.

Chelsea were determined to recover and reassert their authority, and Joe Cole forced Claro to make a good save. It was not the first time the Cluj keeper had saved the day because he really was in sparkling form. Scolari is nothing if not a master technician, and after 71 minutes he substituted Kalou with the controversial but brilliant Drogba. It was not long before he scored the goal that was to prove to be the winner. He received a good pass from Joe Cole and expertly controlled the ball which he then prodded home with his other foot.

Now that Drogba has returned to form it will be interesting to see how he performs alongside Nicolas Anelka, who had been responsible for ten of fifteen Chelsea goals, before this game. They are both highly talented players, and if anyone can harmonize their skills to serve their brilliant team it must be Luiz Felipe Scolari.

The game was a credit to world soccer, with both sides providing their share of the thrills. Towards the end Chelsea stamped their authority on the match, but Cluj had come to win and for a time the result was in the balance.

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Chelsea 2-1 Cluj
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Chelsea 2-1 Cluj