Didier Drogba's early goal gave Guus Hiddink a win in his first home game since taking over at the Chelsea FC helm as last season's runners-up saw off a concerted Juventus fightback.
Contrasting form
It was a close run thing at Stamford Bridge, with the Serie A giants pushing the hosts back in the second half as they sought to cancel out Drogba's slick 14th-minute strike. Yet they were unable to prevent a seventh successive away defeat in the UEFA Champions League knockout rounds, while Chelsea extended their unbeaten home record in the competition to 16 games, including 13 victories.
Chelsea zip
Claudio Ranieri was given a warm reception by the home supporters on his return to the ground where he spent four years as manager between 2000 and 2004. He knew it would be the only act of generosity shown to him and his team: Chelsea's determination to go one better than last season's run to the final has been re-ignited by Hiddink's arrival. The London team made a habit of scoring early at home in two-legged ties last term and that was clearly their intention again as Salomon Kalou forced Gianluigi Buffon into a stretching save. Michael Ballack then fired another chance high and wide, while Drogba came close with a flying header.
Ivorian link-up
Chelsea had put down a marker, and when Frank Lampard's free-kick was inadequately dealt with Chelsea seized their chance, Kalou playing a clever pass through the heart of the defence where Drogba was lurking unmarked. One-touch control and an emphatic finish put the home side ahead. The Ivorian striker should have doubled the advantage soon after but headed Lampard's corner well wide.
Bianconeri lift
Juventus had shown little in an attacking sense, but before half-time they enjoyed a purple patch that so nearly yielded an equaliser. Firstly Alessandro Del Piero turned in a stinging drive from Tiago's pass and forced Petr Čech to claw it away. From the resulting corner Amauri and Giorgio Chiellini both failed to seize on presentable chances.
Marchionni endeavour
Juventus continued to commit bodies forward after the restart despite the risk of conceding a second, and as Chelsea picked up the pace again Ballack and Drogba both sent efforts off target. Juventus substitute Marco Marchionni was working hard to try and bring Amauri into the game and the visitors lived in hope of the vital away goal. It might have arrived on the hour as Čech flapped at a high ball but the goalkeeper was just about able to retrieve the situation.
Late warning
Juve were gaining momentum and Ranieri brought David Trezeguet into the fray with time ebbing away; with his first touch the striker sliced wide. It followed a rasping drive at the other end from Nicolas Anelka that Buffon was pleased to see pass the wrong side of his upright, and Čech was similarly grateful in added time when a low Pavel Nedvěd effort was deflected centimetres wide with the keeper beaten. It is Chelsea, therefore, that will take the narrowest of advantages to Turin for the second leg on 10 March.
Jose Mourinho and Sir Alex Renew rivalry
José Mourinho and Sir Alex Ferguson are familiar foes
José Mourinho was in ebullient mood ahead of FC Internazionale Milano's first knockout round meeting with Manchester United FC, insisting his side would take on the European champions with "no fear" in what promises to be a close encounter at San Siro.
Similarities
The similarities between Inter and United are striking; both are domestic titleholders, both boast clear leads in their title races, and both have suffered just two league defeats all season. But the one glaring difference, standing out like a beacon, is European form. United won the UEFA Champions League last term and are one match away from a record 20-game unbeaten sequence in Europe's premier club competition. Conversely, Inter have continually flattered to deceive, falling at this hurdle in each of the last two campaigns.
Sticking point
The Nerazzurri also struggled to get through the group stage, finishing second to Panathinaikos FC after two wins, two draws and two defeats. Yet Mourinho lost only once in ten matches against United during his three years in charge of Chelsea FC and is convinced he can continue that impressive run. "I have told my players not to be afraid of being knocked out, but instead to go into this match thinking that in 15 days we can celebrate beating the European champions," he said. "I'm an optimist – always have been – but I'm right to be confident because whenever this side has been in difficulty it has responded well. We have no fear."
Weekend wins
They certainly responded well against Bologna FC on Saturday as Mario Balotelli, just on as a substitute, fired in a decisive late free-kick moments after the hosts had made it 1-1. That helped maintain Inter's nine-point cushion at the top of Serie A, though the Nerazzurri were equally indebted to goalkeeper Júlio César for keeping Bologna at bay in a frenetic finale. United had fewer problems as they too prevailed 2-1, at home to Blackburn Rovers FC. Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo scored as the Red Devils went seven points clear at the Premier League summit, but the points came at a price as Jonny Evans went off with an ankle knock, adding to Sir Alex Ferguson's defensive concerns.
'Fantastic crowd'
"With Wes Brown [ankle], Rafael [ankle] and Gary Neville [virus] out, and Nemanja Vidić suspended, it's a worrying moment for us but we've accepted it and we'll get on with it," said Sir Alex. "The challenge of playing in a stadium with a fantastic crowd will help the players – I'm sure of that." With Fabio likely to come in at right-back and Anderson (ankle) still sidelined, the United manager admitted a degree of tactical tinkering would be required although he denied Mourinho's claim that his side play "less offensively in Europe".
Early exchanges
The Portuguese coach was full of confidence throughout the news conference, only really letting down his guard when he conceded that the tie "will probably last longer than 180 minutes". Sir Alex retorted by saying: "It'll be all over tomorrow if we get the away goal." The early exchanges between two of Europe's leading managers have only served to heighten the anticipation.
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