Galatasaray 1–1 Chelsea
Chelsea secured an away goal, but put in a disappointing display to see the spoils shared in Istanbul.
Lack of finishing in the first half, and a defensive lapse in the second, will mean that Didier Drogba returns to Stamford Bridge for the second leg of this tie knowing it is all still to play for.
While most Chelsea travellers had managed to enjoy the sights of Istanbul pre-match, there had been confirmed reports of unprovoked attacks upon fans by locals brandishing knives.
A series of events on Tuesday night had led to at least three fans picking-up injuries which left them 'walking wounded', in the words of witnesses.
Jose Mourinho's XI called upon the recently-injured Fernando Torres, and the experienced heads of John Terry and Frank Lampard.
There was no room in the squad of 18 for David Luiz, who had travelled, but was suffering from a muscle strain.
The Turk Telekom Arena was alive with the most deafening of noises before, and during the game. The the home support did it's best to whistle and jeer Chelsea while on the ball, sing and support their own when in possession.
A thick pall of smoke hung in the air for much of the game – the remnant of blood red flares set-off in one of the home sections.
Blues had an early chance when a suicidal moment by Galatasaray keeper Fernando Muslera saw him venture out of his box, with the ball swept into the feet of Willian.
The Chelsea man attempted a chip – but it didn't quite come off.
In the 10th minute Cesar Azpilicueta, a contender for Blues' player of the season thus far, raced down the wing to set up Torres with a cross.
The Spaniard took it on one foot, and then the other, before firing past Musera.
Chelsea looked on top for much of the half. Though they failed to extend the lead, owing to lacklustre performances in the final third – notably from Eden Hazard and Andre Schurrle.
Chelsea seemed to coast after the break and as the hour came up, could have conceded: Drogba striking against the post, when it seemed easier to score – a sole memorable moment for him in a game he was expected to have grandstanded.
It was an immediate precursor to the equaliser itself as Chelsea's defence again caught napping as Aurelien Chedjou headed past Petr Cech.
A series of substitutions followed from both sides, and the pace of the game broke down.
Blues would surely have taken the draw pre-match, but the nature of it left a sour taste in the mouth.
They need to show more quality, and take greater advantage of hard-earned dominance, when the teams meet in London.
