Benfica 0 - 1 Chelsea: Kalou gives Chelsea vital away goal

Kalou slid home Fernando Torres’ low cross 15 minutes from time in the quarter-final first leg after the Blues completely snuffed out their opponents’ threat at the Estadio da Luz.

Caretaker manager Roberto Di Matteo had raised eyebrows with his team selection but resting six players paid off spectacularly in what was mostly an insipid contest.

Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba and Michael Essien were all left out, Di Matteo having put his faith in all three veterans in the Blues’ historic last-16 win over Napoli. Right-back Paulo Ferreira also made just his third start of the season as the manager changed half his outfield players for what was the third match of seven in 20 days for Chelsea.

Benfica were marginally on top during the first half but even their best moves were leading nowhere – as were Torres’ best efforts, with one finish sailing over after some neat footwork. It was five minutes from half-time before a goalkeeper was finally called into a meaningful save when Raul Meireles’ skidding 25-yarder was palmed wide by Artur.

Chelsea took the lead 15 minutes from time. Ramires showed remarkable determination and no little skill down the right to release Torres, who burst in the box and kept his composure to square for Kalou to slide home.

Ramires had hurt himself in the process of creating the chance but was able to continue as Chelsea held on to a lead away from home in Europe for the first time this season.