MX23RW : Monday, December 23 16:24:17| >> :60:757:757:

On this day: Chelsea advance beyond Fenerbahce

Back on this day in 2008, goals from Michael Ballack and Frank Lampard see Chelsea advance in the Champions League at the expense of Fenerbahce.

We told last week how Chelsea had left themselves with plenty of work to do to reach the semi-finals of the 2007-08 Champions League as they spurned an early advantage to lose 2-1 during the first leg in Istanbul to Fenerbahce.

The two teams reconvened at Stamford Bridge just a week later and six years ago today to conclude the tie, with the victor knowing that Liverpool awaited them in the last four.

With the draw in the Turkish side's favour, there were a few nerves among the Chelsea faithful prior to the clash, although they were settled within the opening four minutes of the first whistle.

Joe Cole swung over a cross from the right into the centre of the penalty area, where Michael Ballack was waiting to guide a downwards header across visiting goalkeeper Volkan Demirel and into the far corner of the net.

Michael Ballack scores for Chelsea against Fenerbahce on April 08, 2008.© Getty Images

Next to try his luck was midfielder Joe Cole, but having reacted quickly to inherit possession from Salomon Kalou, the England international saw his flicked shot cannon to safety off the upright.

The hosts were in buoyant mood, but that was altered midway through the first half when keeper Carlo Cudicini was forced off with a hamstring complaint. With usual number one Petr Cech still out due to a head injury, Hilario was required from the bench.

The Portuguese stopper was powerless just before the break as Diego Lugano rose highest to meet Alex's cross, but the Uruguayan defender couldn't keep his header on target.

Opportunities were created at both ends after the restart, but Chelsea frontman Didier Drogba was frustrated on three separate occasions by Demirel, while Colin Kazim-Richards, who scored in Turkey, stung Hilario's palms with a powerful strike from distance.

Chelsea's Frank Lampard celebrates scoring against Fenerbahce at Stamford Bridge on April 08, 2008.© Getty Images

At this point, the Blues were heading through on the away goals rule, but they made sure of their progression three minutes from the end when Michael Essien got to the byline, before sending in a low cross that was duly converted by Frank Lampard.

Speaking after the final whistle, winning manager Avram Grant said: "When you play in the quarter-finals, all that matters is reaching the semis. We needed to win and we did. In Turkey we played better than we did today, but the result was the important thing. We started the game well but we didn't carry it on and it got a bit nervous.

"I feel good because our target was to be in the semi-final of the Champions League and we did it. I said that we could do good things this year. Now we are close. So of course I am optimistic and I believe."

CHELSEA: Cudicini (Hilario); Essien, Carvalho, Terry, A Cole; Ballack, Makelele, Lampard, J Cole (Malouda); Drogba, Kalou (Belletti)

FENERBAHCE: Demirel; Gonul, Lugano, Edu Dracena, Wederson (Bilgin); Maldonado (Kezman), Aurelio, Kazim-Richards, Deivid, Alex; Senturk (Boral)

ID:148724: cacheID:148724:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:6410:
Written by
Liam Apicella
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Colin Kazim-Richards celebrates scoring against Chelsea for Fenerbahce on April 2, 2008.
Read Next:
OTD: Fenerbahce overcome Chelsea
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool16123137162139
2Chelsea17105237191835
3Arsenal1796234161833
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest179442319431
5Bournemouth178452721628
6Aston Villa178452626028
7Manchester CityMan City178362925427
8Newcastle UnitedNewcastle177552721626
9Fulham176742422225
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton176742726125
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1772839251423
12Brentford177283232023
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd176472122-122
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham175572230-820
15Everton163761421-716
16Crystal Palace173771826-816
17Leicester CityLeicester173592137-1614
18Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1733112740-1312
19Ipswich TownIpswich172691632-1612
20Southampton1713131136-256


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!