Chelsea have moved a step nearer qualification for the knockout stages of the Champions League with a 3-0 victory over Schalke 04.

Goals either side of the break from Samuel Eto'o helped Chelsea into a 2-0 advantage after they had initially struggled to cope with their opponents' attacking game.

Eto'o was replaced with 15 minutes remaining by Demba Ba, and the former Newcastle United man sealed the win with a volley from inside the penalty area.

Here, Sports Mole analyses the game to see if Chelsea were deserving of the three points.

Match statistics:

Chelsea:
Shots 11
On target 7
Possession 57%
Corners 2
Fouls 12

Schalke 04:
Shots 7
On target 2
Possession 43%
Corners 4
Fouls 17

Was the result fair?

Schalke started strongly, but their failure to take their opportunities allowed Chelsea to ease their way into the game, and from around the 25-minute mark, the home side dominated. Jose Mourinho would have wanted his team to create more chances in front of goal, but overall, Chelsea were full value for the three points.

Chelsea's performance

Chelsea's display was a big improvement from their defeat at Newcastle United at the weekend, but they never really hit top gear against the German outfit. The positives of the night were Samuel Eto'o and Demba Ba both netting much-needed goals, but apart from Gary Cahill and John Terry looking solid at the back, no-one really stood out.

Schalke 04's performance

Manager Jens Keller would have been encouraged by his side's start to the game, but he will be equally concerned with their failure to remain in control of this encounter. Timo Hildebrand's mistake for Chelsea's opening goal didn't help matters, but the visitors rarely tested Petr Cech after half time.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Gary Cahill:

This award could have easily gone to Samuel Eto'o, but it's going to go to Cahill. He has found himself on the bench in recent weeks with Mourinho favouring David Luiz, but the England international gave his boss a huge reminder of his solidity in defence.

Biggest gaffe

If gold, silver and bronze were being awarded for this, Timo Hildebrand would win all three. He must have spent nearly 10 seconds on the ball before being closed down by Eto'o, and once the ball deflected off the striker, the ball was only going to end in one place. The German stopper made a couple of decent saves, but his mistake for the goal undermined all of his work for the evening.

Referee performance

Norwegian referee Svein Oddvar Moen had the simplest of tasks in the middle this evening. He wasn't required to deal with any major issues, but he did make a questionable decision in the opening 45 minutes by opting to bring a halt to proceedings to allow a Schalke player to put his boot back on.

What next?

Chelsea: Chelsea entertain West Bromwich Albion in three days time before travelling to West Ham United next weekend. Mourinho is likely to rotate his squad for both games, but the Blues should have the quality to pick up two positive results.

Schalke 04: Schalke 04 host Werder Bremen at the weekend as they look to recover from tonight's defeat. With a crucial tie in the Champions League against Steaua Bucuresti just three weeks away, Keller will know that he needs his side approaching that match in good form.