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 08 October 2008 00:56 BST

Chelsea left stunned by second-half Fenerbahce comeback

Wednesday, 02 Apr 2008 22:29
Avram Grant's side must improve in the second leg
A superb second-half performance by Fenerbahce helped them overcome Chelsea 2-1 in their Champions League quarter-final first leg in Istanbul.

The Blues dominated the opening period of the match but failed to add to their solitary goal before the break and were faced with a galvanised Fenerbahce team in the second half.

Once the Turkish team got back on level terms the momentum swung in their favour and a superb 30-yard strike by Deivid was enough to earn them a one goal lead going into the second leg.

Chelsea created a glut of chances in the first half as the home side decided attack was the best form of defence.

This proved to be a poor assumption as the Blues consistently found time and space to fire shots at Volkan Demirel's goal.

Chelsea broke the deadlock after just 13 minutes when Florent Malouda's cross struck the leg of Deivid and deflected into the net.

They could have had a second goal moments later but Michael Essien saw his shot come back off the woodwork.

Didier Drogba then had three glorious chances before half time but failed to take advantage of them. He headed one opportunity wide before Demirel made two good saves to deny him.

After the break Chelsea were forced on to the back foot by Fenerbahce, with former Blues striker Mateja Kezman coming close to equalising with an overhead kick.

The home side did not have to wait much longer though when former Sheffield United striker Colin Kazim-Richards raced on to a long ball and fired strongly past Carlo Cudicini.

With ten minutes remaining Fenerbahce took the lead as Deivid made up for his earlier error with a thunderous drive from outside the box which gave Cudicini no chance.

Chelsea will hope they can reproduce their first-half performance in the second leg at Stamford Bridge if they are to progress to the semi-finals.End of story


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