Chelsea in the first match of Champions League quarter-finals came to great advantage. In Lisbon, they celebrated against Benfica 1-0 with Kalou goal in the 75th minute.
The match at Estadio da Luz was hard and quite unattractive for fans, and at the start of the match, manager of Chelsea’s Roberto Di Matteo surprised with lineup he sent to lawn. Specifically,Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard and Michael Essien,were left out from first eleven ,so in Chelsea attack played just Fernando Torres and Salomon Kalou,what at the end was right call as they bot contribute to 1-0 win against Benfica.
The first 45 minutes passed without a real opportunities and we can mention Raul Meireles shot from distance in the 40th per minute was Chelsea’s first shot on the goal in fist half. On the other hand, Benfica was trying more in front of opposing goal, but Chelsea defence was at the top and they easily reflect all attacks.
The second half started with Benfica great opportunity . In 47th Paraguay’s Oscar Cardozo minute hit sharply from about ten meters, the ball already defeated Petr Cech, but from the goal line Benfica former player and current Chelsea defender David Luiz managed to clear it.
In 60th minute guests had until that moment the greatest chance of the match. Juan Mata pass Benfica goalkeeper Artur, but askew to the left side only managed to hit the goal posts.
The decisive moment of the meeting took place in the 75th minute when Salomon Kalou scored the only goal of the meeting. On the right flank,Ramires pass the ball to Torres who skipped past Jardel accelerated away and then crossed towards Kalou who, six yards out, poked it home.It was his second Champion league goal this season,with what he brought great led toward the second lef match.For Torres this was the second goal assist the season in Champion league.