Source: Daily_Mail
Chelsea 2 Benfica 1 (3-1 agg): Frank Lampard and Raul Meireles
The depleted visitors laid siege to the Chelsea goal at times and Javi Garcia set nerves jangling with an 85th-minute equaliser, but substitute Raul Meireles blasted home on the breakaway to seal a barely deserved home win in what was arguably the Blues' worst performance under Roberto Di Matteo.[LNB]They gave away the ball so often, it was almost as if they were practising for being without it for the upcoming clash against Barca.[LNB]Chelsea have been a bogey team for the European champions down the years, but Pep Guardiola's all-conquering side will hardly be concerned about facing them again on the basis of tonight's performance.[LNB]After winning 1-0 in Lisbon last week, the Blues' task looked all more simple after captain Luisao and Jardel were ruled out for the visitors, who were forced to play Javi Garcia and Emerson as makeshift centre-backs.[LNB]But despite caretaker manager Di Matteo warning of complacency, Chelsea made the most sluggish of starts and needed desperate blocks from Lampard and John Terry to keep their opponents at bay.
