Blues held to Schalke stalemate
Petr Cech was forced off at the interval with a calf strain
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Tuesday, 06, Nov 2007 11:00
Chelsea hung on for a fortunate Champions League point after a 0-0 draw against an impressive Schalke 04 side at the Veltins Arena.
A victory would have seen the Blues' passage into the knockout stages assured, but Avram Grant will be pleased to be returning to Stamford Bridge unbeaten after his side were kept firmly under the cosh by the hosts.
Didier Drogba had the best of the early chances, but the Ivorian powerhouse striker was denied by a fine save from Manuel Neuer in the Schalke goal and it was to prove as close as the visitors would come.
Heiko Westermann had Petr Cech scrambling to reach a low skidding shot on 19 minutes before stinging the Czech international's palms with a better-struck effort a few minutes later.
Marcelo Bordon sent a header floating over the bar before Westermann saw his third opening go astray as Cech's uncharacteristic hesitance seemed to spread through his back four.
A calf strain was the cause of the goalkeeper's sudden fragility and Carlo Cudicini was introduced in his place after half-time.
Chelsea's attacks became even more infrequent after the break and, although Schalke also looked less threatening than previously, they were twice denied by the woodwork.
With 17 minutes to play Marcio Rafinha followed some nimble footwork with a impudent lob, but saw his effort bounce to safety off the bar.
Former Rangers man Peter Lovenkrands came even closer in the last few minutes as a crisp low strike found the inside of Cudicini's far post and crossed the face of goal before being hacked away.