benfica 1-0

Independent:
Display of old gives advantage to Chelsea

Benfica 0 Chelsea 1
SAM WALLACE ESTADIO DA LUZ

It is only five weeks since a disorganised, mutinous Chelsea team without Frank Lampard Didier Drogba and Michael Essien in the first XI went down 3-1 in Naples and the clock began ticking on Andre Villas-Boas' doomed regime. Last night Roberto Di Matteo left the same three players out of his team and Chelsea emerged with the kind of win that evoked the best moments of Jose Mourinho's era.
That is to say that even without those three – and only Lampard played any role as a substitute –Di Matteo's team looked well-organised and patient and when their opportunity came on the counter-attack, Salomon Kalou scored the goal that puts them on the brink of the Champions League semi-finals.
In the tradition of the best Chelsea teams of the last 10 years, they defended with an obstinacy that can break the hearts of attackers — take a bow John Terry, David Luiz and, would you believe it, Paulo Ferreira. This was the Portuguese full-back's first start of the year but he played his part in a Chelsea team that felt balanced, fresh and able to handle the very best that Benfica threw at them.
Which was, in truth, not saying much. The Portuguese team were a major disappointment. It should not be forgotten that Benfica were previously unbeaten in 10 straight games in Europe and had only lost once at home this season before last night. The team that qualified from Manchester United's group found Chelsea impossible to break down
What differentiated last night's performance from the Villas-Boas team's car-crash team in Naples? It started in defence where Terry, injured for the game in Italy, and Luiz created the platform for the win and also in Petr Cech who made one crucial save from Jardel on 67 minutes.
While Villas-Boas' selections became increasingly fraught, and more players found themselves out in the cold, Di Matteo has made a virtue of bringing those peripheral figures back in to the team. This was Kalou's first start in the Champions League this season. Fernando Torres, picked ahead of Drogba last night, rewarded his manager with an industrious performance.
Di Matteo will need that squad as the games pile up. If they do not beat Aston Villa on Saturday then the prospect of Champions League football next season will become even more distant. Then there is that FA Cup semi-final with Tottenham looming two weeks on Sunday. Di Matteo will want to remain competitive in both cup competitions but his focus has to be ensuring Champions League qualification for next season.
Benfica's manager Jorge Jesus complained that this was "not a just result" but before they scored Chelsea had two chances in the second half, for Kalou and Juan Mata that might have decided the game. Only two teams in the history of the Champions League have lost the first leg of a knockout tie at home and gone on to progress to the next round. On last night's evidence, Benfica will not be the third come a week today at Stamford Bridge.
While Di Matteo refused to take anything for granted last night, all roads appear to lead to Barcelona, who face Milan tonight, in the semi-finals. Eliminating them is a whole different prospect but as the last English team standing, Chelsea have rediscovered some of that form that once made them such a force in this competition.
It was their first away win in the Champions League since they beat Copenhagen in Denmark in the first knock-out round last season. In terms of significance it bore more resemblance to the comeback to win 2-1 against Valencia in 2007. Benfica did all the huffing and puffing but it was Chelsea who looked the more assured.
Aside from the sending off for Christophe Lollichon, Chelsea's excitable French goalkeeping coach this was a smooth performance. Even Jesus was forced to concede that the introduction of Lampard with 20 minutes remaining stretched the game further. The likes of Nicolas Gaitan and Axel Witsel, whose reputations have grown in recent years, did not really create a great deal for Oscar Cardozo, the big Paraguayan striker.
Ramires, returning to his former club, gave Emerson problems down Benfica's left and if the Chelsea man could pass the ball in the final third he would be a serious threat. John Obi Mikel and Raul Meireles are not an inspirational midfield pairing but they were solid. Meireles' crisp shot, saved by Artur, was Chelsea's best moment before half-time.
With the pressure on them and a restlessness about the stadium, up to a third empty, Benfica pushed in the second half. Luiz kicked an effort from Cardozo off the line two minutes after the break. Pablo Aimar had a shot saved. Yet in the first 15 minutes of the second half, Chelsea had the better chances to score.
The first came from Torres' cross on 52 minutes when Kalou could not control his header on goal. Then just on the hour Cech's long kick down the middle was touched on by Torres and Mata steered the ball around Artur. The angle was tight and while he got his foot around the ball it hit the outside of the post.
In those two moments, Chelsea sensed the opportunity to turn this tie decisively to their advantage. Benfica looked vulnerable. On 67 minutes, Chelsea survived their closest scare when Jardel's header from Gaitan's cross was brilliantly stopped by Cech. But when at last Di Matteo's team took the lead on the counter-attack it did not come as much of a surprise.
Torres, who had been making inroads all game, accelerated away from Jardel, stayed on his feet despite a barge, and delayed until Kalou was in position. From the right, Torres picked him out beautifully and Kalou stabbed the ball home from close range. Much of the stadium fell quiet.
Ashley Cole lunged in for a late clearance but Chelsea never looked too rattled. On nights like these they look like an established member of the European elite but they only need to look at the Premier League table to know that those days might not last forever.

Man of the match Luiz.
Match rating 6/10.
Referee P Tagliavento (It).
Attendance 65,000.

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Guardian:

Salomon Kalou's goal gives Chelsea Champions League win at Benfica
Daniel Taylor at Estádio da Luz

These are the moments when Chelsea make it seem barely plausible that for long spells this season they appear to have based their entire working operation on the theory of chaos. They played here with character, resolve and togetherness and now have an outstanding chance of reaching the semi-finals of the competition Roman Abramovich craves the most.It was the kind of night that made their last Champions League excursion, in the bearpit of Napoli's Stadio San Paolo, feel like a trick of the mind.Here, like then, we had the story of a manager leaving out key names, not afraid to prick a few egos if it meant following his convictions. The difference this time was that there was structure, resilience and not a hint of panic. Napoli had overwhelmed André Villas-Boas side's but Chelsea have already come a long way since Roberto Di Matteo became the latest man to answer to Abramovich.It culminated in Salomon Kalou turning in a 75th-minute winner after Fernando Torres had manoeuvred space for himself on the right and picked out his team-mate's run into the six-yard area with a perfectly weighted cross.Benfica had lost only once on their own ground this season but looked ordinary for the most part and Chelsea's belief was embellished as the game reached its closing stages. Had Juan Mata shown a more assured touch when the substitute Daniel Sturridge found him in space they could conceivably have taken a two-goal lead back to Stamford Bridge for the second leg next Wednesday.Benfica had helped to eliminate Manchester United from the group stages but on this occasion they rarely got behind the visitors' defence. John Terry, whose absence was so crucial in Naples, was exemplary. David Luiz had one of his better nights, applauded on and off the pitch by the supporters of his former club, and Petr Cech made a number of telling saves.Yet the pressure was sporadic rather than sustained. Towards the end the Italian referee sent Chelsea's goalkeeping coach, Christophe Lollichon, to the stands, but the truth is it was out of keeping with the way the night had gone. Perhaps the most impressive part of Chelsea's performance was the calm they exuded, the sense of assurance and seen-it-all-before knowhow.Di Matteo's selection was certainly brave and, if they are being truly honest, many Chelsea supporters might also have found it slightly alarming. Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba and Michael Essien had all looked laboured against Spurs on Saturday but it was still a surprise to see them all consigned to the bench, given their big-game experience and how instrumental they had been in retrieving the 3-1 first-leg deficit to Napoli in the last round.Here, too, was the return of Paulo Ferreira at right-back, playing his first match in almost three months because of the thigh injury that is keeping out Branislav Ivanovic. Ferreira has started only three matches all season and the last one was the 3-1 home defeat by Aston Villa on New Year's Eve. This, however, was a successful return as he quickly set about disproving the theory he could be the weak point in Chelsea's defence.Ferreira slipped back into the team seamlessly, fully justified his selection ahead of José Bosingwa and was part of the reason Chelsea were relatively comfortable.Rather than go straight at Chelsea, as Napoli had so devastatingly, Benfica played a more cagey game, making fewer chances. Their best moments in the first half both fell to Oscar Cardozo, first with a left-foot volley that he could not direct on target and then a header that went over. Cardozo did hit the target early in the second half only for David Luiz to clear off the goal-line and Benfica will also reflect on the moment, shortly before Kalou's winner, when Cech kept out Jardel's header.The Portuguese side had plenty of the ball in telling areas but they seldom made use of it. Chelsea sat back for long periods and, at times, could have taken better care of the ball but, when they did attack, they generally found holes in the home defence. At one point it was something as mundane as a long goal-kick that went straight through the Benfica back four and suddenly Mata was clear, flicking the ball round the goalkeeper, Artur, but taking himself to such an angle that his shot struck the outside of the post.This was the prelude to Chelsea's best spell of the match and, after they had taken the lead, it was seldom threatened during the final exchanges. Torres had worked hard while still managing to look frustrated and lacking the old sureness of touch. This was the moment, however, he justified his place ahead of Drogba, bursting clear and then picking out Kalou with a deft cross. Kalou had set off with great intent and was still running when he applied the finishing touch.


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Telegraph:

Benfica 0 Chelsea 1
By Henry Winter, at Estádio da Luz

This was a particularly good day for Roberto Di Matteo, the interim head coach who keeps steering Chelsea onward in cup competitions as headlines keep linking more vaunted names to the manager’s job. Whatever happens to Di Matteo this summer, he will always have Lisbon.
His players responded to the Italian’s game-plan, delivering a classic away performance, tactically disciplined, defensively resilient and scoring with a swift counter-attack. Chelsea got what they came for: an away goal and a clean sheet. Difficult mission, adroitly accomplished.
Di Matteo had called on his players to stay calm, to not risk losing possession. Even when Pablo Aimar, the deft Argentine string-puller, tried to whip up a storm, Chelsea refused to be cowed. Even when Nicolas Gaitan began running at them, Chelsea refused to park the bus, simply taking the sting out of the game with bouts of keep-ball but also sliding forward, looking for openings, keeping Benfica on their toes, triggering more songs up in the Gods.
Good managers influence a game’s flow and Di Matteo also got his substitutions right, in timing and selections, disrupting Benfica’s attempts to regain momentum. While some around him were losing their heads, including the goalkeeping coach Christophe Lollichon who was sent off, Di Matteo retained composure, exuding a quiet control his players matched.
Before kick-off, Di Matteo’s team-sheet had raised questions but 90 minutes later he had received emphatic vindication of his decisions.
Fernando Torres led the line diligently, bringing a pace absent when Didier Drogba starts, not least when racing down the right after 75 minutes to create Kalou’s strike. Kalou’s presence ahead of Daniel Sturridge had been a surprise but he timed his arrival well for the goal.
In midfield, Raul Meireles, offered little that Frank Lampard could not have contributed; he was also booked early and mercilessly booed for his Porto connections. There were even unconfirmed reports that Meireles signalled his disapproval back. Benfica supporters showed a more sporting streak by staying on to applaud off Ramires and David Luiz, two of their former players.
Chelsea fans were certainly saluting Luiz, who excelled alongside that habitual figure of defiance, John Terry. With Branislav Ivanovic still struggling with a thigh problem, Paulo Ferreira slotted in at right-back, rolling back the years with an assured display.
Ashley Cole, giving a masterclass in the art of being in the right place at the right time, made some important clearances. Behind them, Petr Cech proved the rock of ages on which Benfica also foundered.
By the final whistle, as reverie extended to thoughts of meeting Barcelona or AC Milan in the semi-finals, Chelsea’s jubilant fans were serenading the departing locals with “cheerio” after a rendition of “it’s so quiet in Lisbon”. Victory tasted particularly sweet as the Shed on tour had been crammed into one section, the stewards refusing to let them move into four empty rows, causing brief tension.
They had to survive some nervous moments watching their team down below but it soon became clear that Benfica were lacklustre in front of goal, all build-up and no finish. The club’s famous eagle, swooping all over the stadium before kick-off, threatened the goals more.
Chelsea were hardly troubled in the first half. Oscar Cardozo operated as the forward staging post for Benfica excursions, bringing Aimar and Alex Witsel into play and also beating Luiz in the air although his header failed to trouble Cech.
Bruno Cesar drilled the ball over from the left, Cardozo chested down but hooked just wide. Cech then held a long-ranger from Cesar.
Chelsea weathered the squall, frustrating Benfica by stroking the ball around in the deep areas, adding to their 52 per cent first-half possession, before suddenly springing forward.
Torres, playing a 1-2 with Ramires, cleverly worked an opening but shot over. With six minutes remaining before the break, Kalou rolled the ball inside to Meireles, who drew a good save from Artur.
The first half lacked true edge, a feeling highlighted when Ferreira and Luiz engaged Cardozo and Jardel in small talk as they strolled to the tunnel. Benfica emerged a different team, far more energised. Cardozo’s shot was cleared off the line by Luiz.
Chelsea then sprung forward, Torres lifting in a cross that Kalou wasted with the goal at his mercy. Benfica just went down the far end, Cardozo trying his luck.
Aimar was always available, always looking to insinuate his way past blue shirts. Gaitan was now a threat on the left. Benfica were launching more and more attacks, including a paper dart from a fan which almost reached the centre-circle.
Chelsea stood firm. Cole made a great block from the rampaging Maxi Pereira, who screamed vainfully for a penalty when the follow-up struck Terry.
As some Benfica players were still remonstrating with the officials, Juan Mata so nearly scored, rounding Artur but the angle was always awkward and he did well to hit even the post.
Still Benfica pressed hard, looking for something to take to Stamford Bridge next week. Chelsea defended resolutely, delighting their fans.
Torres hurried back to make an important headed clearance. Then Cech did brilliantly to deny Jardel. As the Benfica fans in one corner continued to keep up the chants and the drumming, other parts of the stadium fell silent or sighed with frustration.
Then Chelsea, gloriously, broke upfield, Ramires beginning the charge. Torres took the ball on, eluding Jardel, hurtling towards the line before crossing perfectly for Kalou. Chelsea’s funny old season, of Premier League pain and Champions League joy, continues.

Match details
Benfica: Artur Moraes, Maxi Pereira, Luisao, Jardel, Emerson, Aimar (Matic 69), Javi Garcia (Nolito 81), Bruno Cesar (Rodrigo Moreno 69), Witsel, Gaitan, Cardozo. Subs: Eduardo, Nelson Oliveira, Miguel Vitor, Saviola. Booked: Bruno Cesar, Luisao, Javi Garcia.
Chelsea: Cech, Ferreira (Bosingwa 80), Luiz, Terry, Cole, Ramires, Meireles (Lampard 68), Mata, Mikel, Kalou (Sturridge 82), Torres. Subs: Turnbull, Essien, Drogba, Cahill.Booked: Meireles. Goal: Kalou 75.
Att: 65,000
Referee: P Tagliavento (Italy).

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Mirror:

Benfica 0-1 Chelsea: Kalou banishes Portuguese Blues
By Martin Lipton

Job done, superbly well.
Barcelona, you would think, in their path again, as long as there is no horror-show at the Bridge next week.
And even if it seems unlikely, crazy, to think that this year, against the odds, will be the one that Chelsea finally do what Roman Abramovich craves above all, you cannot write them off.
Last night Roberto Di Matteo's judgement in leaving out Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba ensured the interim manager was putting himself on the line.
After all, when Andre Villas-Boas omitted Lampard and Ashley Cole at Napoli, he did not hang around for the second leg.
But where Villas-Boas' Chelsea had been a shapeless, hopeless mess in Naples, last night they were utterly professional.
True, it helped that Benfica were never as impressive as the two Eagles that flew round the Stadium of Light before kick-off were.
Workmanlike at best, they lacked real invention, making it harder to understand how they held Manchester United to two draws in the group stage.
Yet that was not Chelsea's fault, merely their opportunity.
And while it was not, by any means, a flawless performance, it was more than good enough to conquer the Portuguese side.
In the end, one moment, one move, proved pivotal.
Salomon Kalou might have been flying back to London ruing the header he conspired to nod horribly over the bar when he was found, unmarked, eight yards out, by Fernando Torres at the start of the second half.
After all, the Ivorian would not win too many popularity polls among the Chelsea fans, frequently viewed as their Aunt Sally of choice.
Yet 15 minutes from time, when the next chance came, Kalou did not flunk the test.
Ramires did the donkey work, taking a kick for his pains after releasing Torres, whose own work-rate was immense on both sides of the pitch.
The space was there down the Benfica left flank and Torres took it, haring into the box, waiting for the right moment and slipping across for Kalou to slid in and prod home.
It was a goal that was made possible by all the hard work beforehand, the defensive resolve epitomised by David Luiz, John Terry - only discomforted when ordered to put on his captain's armband - surprise right-back choice Paulo Ferreira and Petr Cech.
Indeed, even without Lampard, Drogba and Michael Essien on the pitch, it felt like "old Chelsea", the team that never gave up, backed themselves to come through any scrape.
Last night was not much of a scrape, despite some nervy moments.
When required, though, Luiz - who has concentrated on doing the basics - and Terry made the important interventions. A foot in here, a leg there, a head when needed.
That was demonstrated just after the restart, when Luiz was in the right place to block Oscar Cardozo's fierce left-footer on the line.
But even before that, while Benfica had plenty of the ball and looked to Cardozo, Pablo Aimar, Axel Witsel and the disappointing Nicolas Gaitan to unlock the Chelsea defence, they rarely seemed capable of doing so.
Indeed, it was Chelsea who went closest before the break, Torres with two efforts - including a spectacular chest control and instant volley - and Raul Meireles, preferred to Lampard, forcing a diving save by Artur.
Cech, on the other hand, was rarely tested, even at the height of Benfica's storm, although he did make a fine and vital save to foil Jardel's far post header.
And the more Benfica pushed on - including desperate appeals for a penalty against Terry - the more open they were to the counters.
Kalou's poor header was followed when Juan Mata took advantage of hesitant defending after Cech pumped forward, rounded Artur but pushed himself too wide and could only hit the outside of the post from an acute angle.
In all probability, Di Matteo and his men would have settled for the goalless draw and the slight advantage.
Kalou's secure touch, his second Champions League goal of the season, to give the Blues their first away win in Europe for 13 months, loaded the odds even more heavily in their favour.
Only two teams in Champions League history have turned a tie round having lost the home leg and Benfica do not look like joining Ajax and Bayern Munich in that list.
Mata might even have had a second at the death. Chelsea, though, were more than satisfied.


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Mail:

Benfica 0 Chelsea 1: Advantage Chelsea as Kalou strikes on perfect night for Di Matteo
By MATT LAWTON

Perhaps Frank Lampard should reassess the qualities of this Chelsea side. They might well lack the consistency that enabled them to win three English titles but they remain a team capable of rising to the occasion on the continent.
This was some victory here in the Estadio da Luz, the product not only of a brilliantly executed 75th-minute goal from Salomon Kalou but also some serious graft typified by the irrepressible Ramires and the tenacious Fernando Torres.
It was no accident that they both played their part in securing the advantage Chelsea now take to Stamford Bridge next week for the second leg of this Champions League quarter-final.
It was Ramires, a constant threat down the right flank with his relentless running, who made the initial ground, and Torres who timed his ball into Kalou to perfection with the kind of skill and composure on which he built a reputation.
Roberto Di Matteo’s reputation has certainly been enhanced, the decision to omit certain senior players paying off when much the same approach had proved so costly for Andre Villas-Boas in Naples in the previous round.
What happened against Napoli actually made the team selection of the interim manager all the more courageous.
Torres ahead of Didier Drogba, Raul Meireles ahead of Lampard, David Luiz ahead of Gary Cahill; even John Mikel Obi ahead of Essien. All big calls, all of which enabled Chelsea to record their first away win in Europe in 13 months.
Like Ramires, Luiz was outstanding against his former club. He was in the right place at the right time to deny Oscar Cardozo in the 47th minute with a terrific goal-line clearance, coolly using his chest to avert the danger.
But he was also superb in a formidable partnership with John Terry. With their defensive colleagues, they left Benfica hugely frustrated, with Paulo Ferreira also deserving praise for his display at right back given that this was his first appearance in 2012.
The strategy Di Matteo employed was an intelligent one even if the omission of Lampard looked like the kind of gamble he did not need to take.
There was a real Iberian flavour to the Chelsea team, one that would be well-equipped for the challenge Benfica would pose.
But if Di Matteo also wanted to see his side ‘run and tackle’, as he put it afterwards, for 90 minutes, then that must have influenced his thinking too.
Lampard and Drogba have looked tired of late, and in the end the decision to put them on the bench proved a good one. Benfica will have to concede that, while they had more efforts on goal, Chelsea enjoyed the better of the chances.
Yes, Cardozo would have scored had it not been for Luiz. Yes, it took a quite brilliant save from Petr Cech to deny Jardel, the defender meeting a superb cross from Nicolas Gaitan with a thumping header.
But Juan Mata sent an effort against a post after bursting clear in pursuit of a long ball forward from Cech and Kalou really should have capitalised on another perfect delivery from Torres. Much to Di Matteo’s disappointment, he instead sent his header over the crossbar.
There was also a shot from Meireles that brought the best out of Artur during a largely uneventful first half. If the sight of the Benfica eagle circling the stadium was dramatic, the football that followed was not.
It was cagey, cautious, with both sides afraid to make the kind of mistake that might prove costly. There was a chance for Cardozo thanks to a nicely weighted chip forward from Bruno Cesar, but the Benfica forward’s effort flew wide.
Chelsea created further opportunities of their own. Torres sent a volley over the Benfica crossbar and Ramires continued to trouble Emerson down that flank. At the opposite end Cardozo sent a header over.
The second half was rather more lively than the first, however. Within two minutes Cardozo had seen Luiz chest his effort off the line and Kalou and Mata then went desperately close for Chelsea.
If Benfica had one major grievance, it was the referee’s failure to punish Terry for appearing to intercept a cross from Maxi Pereira with his hand. Terry would no doubt argue it was ball to hand.
But Jorge Jesus’s side could only curse the excellence of Cech for then stopping that Jardel header, just as he probably cursed Jardel for then allowing Torres to skip past him before delivering a pass to Kalou that eluded Luisao.
It was the simplest of finishes for Kalou but a goal Chelsea deserved, not least for their work-rate and a proper team effort. It was a quality Kalou highlighted afterwards. The difference, he said, was that they ‘played like a team’.
So now to Stamford Bridge, the second leg, and what should be Chelsea’s successful passage to the semi-finals.
As someone pointed out last night, this could yet prove to be a repeat of their 2009 season when they sacked their manager, lost to Barcelona in the Champions League semi-finals and then beat Everton at Wembley to win the FA Cup.
That, however, would mean writing off Chelsea before a European game, and that is never a wise thing to do.


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Sun:

And now they are hot favourites for a place in the Champions League semi-finals for a sixth time in nine years.
On four occasions on their travels in Europe this season, the Blues had been ahead without winning once.
But forgotten man Salomon Kalou's vital 75th-minute goal from Fernando Torres' perfect pass silenced Benfica's crowd in the magnificent Estadio da Luz.
Kalou showed the same predatory skills as Eusebio against the Portugal legend's old club.
And it earned Chelsea their first away success on the continent in 13 months.
Kalou is a man reborn under Roberto Di Matteo. The Ivorian barely figured for Chelsea when Andre Villas-Boas was in charge.
But since Di Matteo took command earlier this month he has come right back into the reckoning.
The 26-year-old is out of contract in the summer and is tipped for a possible move to Arsenal.
But his issue at Stamford Bridge has never been about money, it is about getting regular games.
This strike will certainly have helped his argument, although it is unlikely Di Matteo will be in charge to have a say about his future.
For now, though, the pair are enjoying themselves and Di Matteo hoisted Kalou into the air at the final whistle in celebration.
The Champions League is treating the interim boss very well. He has a 100 per cent record from two games.
The Italian masterminded the extraordinary turnaround against Napoli in the previous round and now this in the first leg of the quarter-final.
Yet before kick-off, we wondered if he had signed his own death warrant the way Villas-Boas did when he axed the old guard for the last-16 first-leg game in Naples and lost 3-1.
Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba and Michael Essien were all dumped on the bench last night.
Yet there was a shock recall for another oldie, 33-year-old Paulo Ferreira, who was picked at right-back having not featured at all since the New Year's eve defeat against Aston Villa. Ferreira coped well — in what was only his third start of the season — against the much-hyped Argie Nicolas Gaitan.
He was part of a very well oiled Chelsea defensive machine of which David Luiz was the star.
Luiz was back at the club where he made his name and marked his performance with a crucial chest block on the line from Paraguayan striker Oscar Cardozo's volley just after half-time.
He also showed incredible coolness in the first half to control a ball on his knee right in front of keeper Petr Cech before volleying it away.
Di Matteo has made the point that Chelsea are much tighter defensively these days and the manager must take credit for that. They were immense in keeping out Spurs last Saturday and once more were right on it in Lisbon.
It was not until late in the first half that Chelsea offered any real threat going forward when Torres, preferred to Drogba, worked himself some space in the penalty area only to curl his shot a yard over the bar.
Then Torres picked out Kalou, who laid a ball back for Raul Meireles and he caught it flush from 30 yards, forcing a smart save from Artur going full length to his left.
With the scores level at half-time, the visitors could be well satisfied with their efforts. Being greedy, an away goal was the ideal for Di Matteo's men to make it a perfect night's work.
But first they survived when Luiz made his block and the referee ignored the home fans' screams for a penalty as they claimed their former hero handled.
Then Torres crossed from the left and Kalou was in space to meet the header but he put it over when he should have done better.
There was another escape for Chelsea as Maxi Pereira's volleyed cross hit skipper John Terry's arm at close range.
The crowd were again baying for a penalty and their tempers would have gone up another notch had Juan Mata (right) scored when he latched on to Cech's long kick. The Spaniard went round the keeper but hit the outside of the post with the angle narrowing.
Alex Witsel's shot landed on the roof of the net after deflecting off Terry and Cech beat out a header from Jardel.
Lampard came on to replace Meireles in a stadium where he scored three goals for England at Euro 2004 and another in the penalty shootout when they lost to Portugal in the quarter-finals.
He will have fancied his chances of adding to his tally on this ground but it was left to the unsung Kalou to do the damage.
Ramires, like Luiz a former Benfica star, fed Torres down the right and the striker bustled his way into the area.
Torres took a quick look up before playing a delightful ball across the six-yard box where Kalou converted.
It has been such a strange season for Chelsea yet they are still fighting in two cup competitions, with their FA Cup semi-final now confirmed as being against Tottenham.
Who knows how this will all end.

DREAM TEAM
STAR MAN — DAVID LUIZ (CHELSEA)
CHELSEA: Cech 7, Ferreira 7, Luiz 8, Terry 7, Cole 7, Ramires 6, Meireles 7, Mata 6, Mike 7, Kalou 7, Torres 7. Subs: Lampard (Meireles 68) 6, Bosingwa (Ferreira 80) 5, Sturridge (Kalou 82) 5. Not used: Turnbull, Essien, Drogba, Cahill. Booked: Meireles.

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Express:

BENFICA 0 - CHELSEA 1: ROBERTO DI MATTEO SENDS ROMAN ABRAMOVICH HINT
Salomon Kalou puts Chelsea in the box seat
By John Dillon

FERNANDO TORRES deserves the plaudits for the decisive act of team-work which sent Chelsea’s revitalised season surging on in Europe.
After all, he does not get many these days. But there was an even bigger picture of revival and determination fashioned by a team who have spent so much time this season on the brink of crisis.
Out of the wreckage of defeat in Napoli, the stand-incoach Roberto Di Matteo has conjured a Champions League campaign that is suddenly drenched in fabulous history.
One of the greatest comebacks the competition has known in the last round was followed by this heroic and gritty triumph on their first visit to the fabled Stadium of Light. Benfica, whose eagle soared above the pitch before the game, were comprehensively grounded and frustrated.
Surely, bar a calamity, this has set Chelsea on course for the semi-finals and, potentially, a meeting with their old nemesis from Barcelona, who take on AC Milan tonight
This win will be remembered chiefly for the explosive dash along the left by Torres in the 75th minute which, followed by a clever cut inside and inviting low cross, delivered the winner for Salomon Kalou.
the stand-in coach Roberto Di Matteo has conjured a Champions League campaign that is suddenly drenched in fabulous history
It was a reminder that while he has not repaid the £50million fee in terms of goals, he can be a valuable provider and a solid and hard-working member of the side when he overcomes the blight that infects his game.
Here, when Di Matteo got his selection and tactics right and the old spirit of defiance and unity rumbled through this team so powerfully, what Torres did was an emphatic symbol of the way things have been invigorated since the departure of Andre Villas-Boas.
Roman Abramovich has dumped far too managers far too quickly. But it seems the decision to cut Villas Boas adrift so quickly was an act of ruthlessness that has proven to be the correct one.
In the first-leg defeat in Naples, which had plunged the season into such chaos, Villas-Boas sealed his own fate by leaving Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole on the bench. Here in the imposing citadel of a team with a supposedly refreshed hunger for glory, Di Matteo took an equally bold stance.
But it paid off – magnificently. If he is not careful, if he carries on like this, he might force Abramovich to stop making eyes at all the glamour names of European management and hand the job to the man in possession instead.
Once again, Drogba and Lampard were not in the starting line-up. This time, however, Di Matteo’s decision to pour Portuguese-speaking influence into his side and to pick Kalou ahead of the tired Daniel Sturridge was the bedrock.
David Luiz and Ramires, the onetime Benfica players, performed a significant part in the smart and shrewd denial of the home team. Di Matteo also called upon the experienced Paulo Ferreira and the energy of Raul Meireles, both once with Porto.
Luiz, who made a significant block just by the goal-line from frustrated Paraguayan striker, Oscar Cardozo, was particularly energetic. He is often criticised for being erratic but this was an excellent and vital display at his former home.
Then there was an equally critical save by Petr Cech from Jardel’s close-range header as another beacon of the defiance Chelsea brought here.
However, this was largely a calm and assured mission rather than a hectic one.
The message from the start in Di Matteo’s surprise selection was that the first priority was containment, particularly of Cardozo and the Argentinian, Nicolas Gaitan.
Though Benfica looked tidy and technically neat, Chelsea negated them and made them look unthreatening in the area where it mattered most. And that is up front, where the hosts’ finishing was appalling.
But Torres has endured his nightmare and, now, has played a huge part in a season in which Chelsea, suddenly, can dream about improbable glory in Munich come May.

tottenham 0-0

Independent:

Chelsea 0 Tottenham Hotspur 0
STEVE TONGUE STAMFORD BRIDGE

Stalemate in the Stamford Bridge leg of London's triangular tournament for Champions' League places suited Tottenham better than Chelsea, but above all favoured Arsenal, who took advantage to consolidate third position. For almost an hour it was soporific stuff but by the end, Spurs, having not threatened until the last minute of the first half, had made the better chances.
In that one attack just before half-time, they had three opportunities and later their best player, Gareth Bale, would head against the bar, while Chelsea's best, Gary Cahill, cleared off the line. Against that, Juan Mata curled a free-kick against the inside of a post, but overall the home side lacked the urgency necessary for a team starting – now staying – five points behind.
Their performance did not bode well for Tuesday's first leg away to Benfica, especially since Roberto Di Matteo did not appear to be holding anyone back. He will hope to have Branislav Ivanovic, who was outstanding against Napoli, available after missing yesterday but otherwise few changes will be envisaged. Here he used a 4-2-3-1 with Mata behind Didier Drogba but the Ivorian, who often excels in these derby games, was handled well by his old team-mate William Gallas and Younès Kaboul.
Indeed all four centre-halves were among the outstanding performers. So too was Petr Cech, making what his manager acknowledged were "crucial" saves from Rafael van der Vaart during added time in the first half and Bale late in the second.
"First half, we were too slow in possession," Di Matteo said. "We were looking to close the gap on Spurs but we have to give them credit for defending well." Harry Redknapp was understandably more buoyant, claiming: "I thought we were excellent, a good performance against a good team. It's a big point that keeps them five points behind us."
While Chelsea are in Lisbon, Tottenham will be hoping to set up an FA Cup semi-final against them by beating Bolton in the match abandoned when Fabrice Muamba collapsed last Saturday. "We're all just so pleased for Fabrice with what's happened since then," Redknapp said last night. "It's a miracle. When you saw him going down the tunnel, you thought he was gone. We all felt he wasn't going to make it to the hospital. Now he's saying to Owen Coyle, 'Where d'you get that tie from, gaffer?' "
It will be an emotional night, on which Spurs cannot afford to start as slowly as they did yesterday. Without Aaron Lennon they are unbalanced down the right, as there is no obvious replacement. Bale is less effective on that side; Van der Vaart, who was nominally filling the role yesterday, likes to roam rather than be restricted to one area of the pitch. So he did, alternating as playmaker with Luka Modric. Van der Vaart's reluctance to occupy the flank meant that Kyle Walker from right-back had an awful lot to do in both an attacking and defensive sense against Ashley Cole and Daniel Sturridge. He did it well, although it was just as well that his captain, Scott Parker, was as vigilant as ever in covering.
Parker duly broke up two attacks in the early stages when Spurs were struggling to leave their own half. It took them half an hour to launch an attack but when they did so with menace on the stroke of half-time, a goal should have resulted. Bale and Modric worked the ball cleverly down the left, the Croatian cutting a pass back to Van der Vaart. Cech parried his shot from eight yards, Cole blocked the follow-up and Emmanuel Adebayor headed the rebound over the bar.
There may be no logic behind the suggestion that speculation over the England manager's position is disrupting Spurs' season, although their recent results have been an unfortunate coincidence. In the second half, however, they replicated some of their better performances as the game became feistier. Walker hit the side-netting and Gallas wasted a header from Modric's free-kick.
Then in quick succession, Adebayor went round the goalkeeper only for Cahill to block his shot from an angle, Bale headed the resulting free-kick against the bar and Adebayor nodded over as the ball fell to him. Deep into added time Bale might have won two extra, vital points with a low free-kick that forced Cech to save low to his left.
All Chelsea had managed was Mata's free-kick against the post. They may now have to win the Champions' League to compete in it next season, which would, in turn, mean Arsenal or Tottenham being demoted to the Europa League if they finished fourth.

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Cech; Bosingwa (David Luiz, 60), Cahill, Terry, Cole; Essien (Torres, 75), Lampard; Ramires, Mata, Sturridge (Kalou, 89); Drogba.
Tottenham (4-5-1): Friedel; Walker, Gallas, Kaboul, Assou-Ekotto; Van der Vaart (Saha, 76), Sandro (Livermore, 76), Parker, Modric, Bale; Adebayor.

Referee: Martin Atkinson.
Man of the match: Cahill (Chelsea)
Match rating: 7/10

======================

Observer:

Tottenham rue missed chances and have to settle for draw with Chelsea
David Hytner at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea are the flag-bearers for England in this season's Champions League but there have to be grave doubts about their capacity to return to the competition next time out. This was a match that they sorely needed to win yet they fell short in insipid fashion.Although Juan Mata hit the base of an upright with a second-half free kick, Chelsea failed to make a mark on a fixture that they traditionally dominate. Brad Friedel, in the Tottenham Hotspur goal, was called upon to make his only save, a routine one, in the 86th minute, from Frank Lampard's long-range shot. It is lost on nobody, including the players and staff at Tottenham, that Chelsea must still visit Arsenal and Liverpool. They remain five points off the Champions League pace, although if they were to win the competition this season they would re-enter it at the expense of the team that finish fourth.There was a gloominess about Roberto Di Matteo afterwards, which contrasted with Harry Redknapp's contentedness, even if the Tottenham manager knew that his club ought to have won. In a game that crackled to life in the second half, they had the chances.Rafael van der Vaart should have scored in first-half stoppage time and, in the second period, Kyle Walker drove into the side-netting; William Gallas fluffed a free header; Emmanuel Adebayor had a shot cleared off the line by Gary Cahill and Gareth Bale thumped the crossbar and forced Petr Cech into a smart save from a free-kick. Tottenham have not won here since 1990 but if this was as close as they have come, it was tempting to suggest that it felt like a victory."It was an important point for us," Redknapp said. "We edged it and Chelsea were happier to hear the final whistle. It's in our favour now and six wins out of eight should do it. I think third place is still there, too. It's by no means a given that Arsenal will be third."The challenge for Di Matteo will be to lift his players for the Champions League quarter-final first-leg against Benfica in Lisbon on Tuesday.They looked leggy, as if the effort of their epic victory over Napoli had taken a toll. They failed to move the ball with any pace and Tottenham were comfortable at the back, where Redknapp decided not to risk Ledley King but saw William Gallas, the deputy, play well alongside Younès Kaboul."It's going to be difficult," said Di Matteo, the interim manager, when he considered Chelsea's hopes of a top-four finish. "But the day that I was appointed, we always knew it was going to be a difficult task. Fourth spot is very important for the future of our club and that stays at the top [of the priorities]. We might have to win all eight of our remaining league games."Spurs would have taken the draw beforehand and Redknapp set his team up to be solid and disciplined, with Sandro coming in to make a three-man central midfield. They gave Bale, Adebayor and even the overlapping Walker the platform to play. The manager reserved praise for Adebayor, who led the line in robust fashion. "He looked back to his best," he said.In tactical terms, Redknapp got it spot on, and it sounded rather weak when Di Matteo complained about Tottenham keeping men behind the ball.After the midweek defeat at Manchester City, Di Matteo had to do something to force the issue. The two matches would have done little to advance his claim for the job on a full-time basis.The first half was underpinned by caginess but Tottenham enjoyed the big chance when the impressive Luka Modric cut back for Van Der Vaart who, eight yards out and in yards of space, had to be fancied to score. His side-foot, though, lacked conviction and it was directed straight at Cech, who parried. Van Der Vaart tried again, from close-range and, this time, Ashley Cole blocked on the line. Adebayor headed the second rebound on to the top of the net.Chelsea lamented a couple of penalty appeals that were overlooked. Gallas cut across Lampard in the 27th minute; he did not get the ball and he made contact with his former Chelsea team-mate. He technically ticked a lot of boxes for the concession but Di Matteo was more passionate about the flashpoint in the 65th minute, when Benoît Assou-Ekotto tangled with Ramires. "Assou-Ekotto just pushed him down," Di Matteo said.The second half was more exciting. There was needle as the intensity of the challenges ratcheted up. Tottenham raged when Chelsea played on as Kaboul lay injured and the game was stopped only when the visitors conceded a free kick. From it, Mata curled against the post.But apart from a Daniel Sturridge half-chance and Lampard's effort, that was as good as it good for Chelsea. Tottenham advertised the winning goal. Gallas's reaction pointed to the knowledge that he should have done better and Adebayor had done the hard part in rounding Cech before he was thwarted by Cahill. Bale, too, went agonisingly close. The point, though, carried value for Tottenham.


=====================

Telegraph:

Chelsea 0 Tottenham Hotspur 0 : match report
By Duncan White, Stamford Bridge

The deterrent of Europa League football is clearly not working. Chelsea, faced with aTottenham team on the slide, knew that victory would bring them within two points of Harry Redknapp’s side. They were the hunters and the quarry was unexpectedly within their reach.
So that made it all the more bafflingly when Chelsea, supposedly reinvigorated by theirChampions League heroics, failed to play with any intensity. They had not lost a league game to Spurs at Stamford Bridge since 1990 and only retained that record through some last-ditch defending. Next season’s Champions League is a party to which Chelsea are struggling to get an invite.
Since Roman Abramovich bought this piece of West London real estate in 2003, Chelsea have been in the Champions League every season. You cannot imagine he is thrilled at the prospect of mixing it with the also-rans in the continent’s second tier. Even taking into the context the intensity of Chelsea’s fixture schedule, this was insipid stuff, the players lulled into somnolence by the unseasonal sunshine.
There was no pressing, no speed of pass, no incisive movement off the ball. Spurs, with a packed five-man midfield, were prepared to sit deep, soak up Chelsea attacks and try to hit on the counter. It suited them to keep the game subdued. That Chelsea obliged was hard to explain.
“We were too slow in possession,” Roberto Di Matteo said. “We did not move the ball quickly enough. To be fair to them they defended well, playing very deep.” Di Matteo felt Ramires should have had a penalty for being pulled back by Benoît Assou-Ekotto — a tough one for the officials to see clearly — but there was little else for him to cling to.
With a Champions League quarter-final against Benfica on Tuesday and an FA Cup semi-final against Spurs or Bolton next month, the emphasis seems to be on short-term glory, rather than next season’s status.
To be fair, winning silverware is probably the best chance Di Matteo has of keeping this job.
The closest Chelsea came to scoring was with just under 20 minutes to go. Younes Kaboul had gone surging forward and pulled up injured.
Chelsea countered with Spurs players impatiently signalling for their opponents to put the ball out. Eventually patience snapped and Gareth Bale chopped down Ramires outside the Spurs box.
Juan Mata struck the ensuing free-kick superbly, the flight of the ball deceiving Brad Friedel, who could only watch the ball thump against the foot of his left post. There was some confused communication between David Luiz and Didier Drogba from the rebound and the chance was gone.
That moment jerked Tottenham awake. Suddenly Redknapp was barking orders from the technical area and Louis Saha and Jake Livermore were sent on to provide some energy. There was now a determination about the visitors and they created four excellent chances to win it.
Luka Modric was growing in influence and, in the 77th minute, he bought a free-kick off Luiz in dangerous territory. The Croat took the set-piece himself, his in-swinging cross arriving perfectly for William Gallas. The French defender, selected ahead of Ledley King for his performance in this fixture last season, headed the ball over and immediately buried his face in his hands.
Modric was at it again two minutes later, lobbing a ball in behind the defence. Emmanuel Adebayor went clear. He took the ball around Petr Cech and sentit goalwards, only for Gary Cahill to slide in and divert the ball behind. The England defender had actually played Adebayor onside but his recovery was superb.
From the corner Modric sent in a cross that Bale, unmarked, headed against the middle of the bar. The ball came back out to the Welshman who headed it back into the danger area. Adebayor, just like he had right at the end of the first half, headed on to the roof of the net from close range.
Bale almost won it in stoppage-time. Adebayor received the ball with his back to goal, some 30 yards out, and Luiz needlessly pulled the Spurs striker back. Bale liked the look of the free-kick and his vicious effort bounced awkwardly as it headed for the bottom corner. Cech did well to deal with it.
Tottenham had also gone close in the stoppage-time of the first half when Rafael van der Vaart volleyed straight at Cech and then saw Ashley Cole block his follow up effort. Still, despite missing those chances, Redknapp was pleased to have kept the cushion over Chelsea, even though this stretched their winless streak in the league to five games.
“It was an important point for us,” Redknapp said. “It is not as if we have been playing badly. If we’d been coming in short of confidence every morning I’d have been worried but that’s not been the case.” Not only do Spurs have that five-point advantage but they have much the easier run-in; Chelsea still have to travel to Arsenal and Liverpool. “It is in our favour at the moment but it can all change,” Redknapp said. “We just have to keep picking up results. We have decent games now. We have to make sure we win six out of the last eight.”

===============

Mail:

Chelsea 0 Tottenham 0: Advantage Redknapp in the race for Europe
By ROB DRAPER

In the end it was agonisingly close for Tottenham. Emmanuel Adebayor was racing through on goal, Petr Cech beaten, with 10 minutes to go. It seemed a done deal.
Tottenham's first win in the League at Stamford Bridge since 1990 looked imminent, though that statistic would have been considerably less significant than the eight-point gap they might have put on Chelsea in the race for a Champions League spot.
'It was like watching an action replay, waiting for him to get there and hopefully put the ball in,' said Harry Redknapp, lamenting the chance later.
For, from somewhere, Gary Cahill appeared, racing back towards goal.
True, Adebayor slightly over-ran the ball and by the time he shot, the angle was not ideal. Still, the Chelsea defender's lunge and block was a fine piece of last-ditch defending.
There was more.
From Luka Modric's corner, Gareth Bale rose unmarked to thunder a header against the bar.
Then, in the third minute of injury time, Bale's free-kick swerved and skidded in front of Louis Saha.
The faintest touch would have turned it in. As it was, even without a deflection, Cech had to dive to his left to turn it away.
And though Chelsea could point to a Juan Mata free-kick that hit the post on 73 minutes, those final 10 minutes, when Tottenham dominated the game, were a fair reflection of the momentum of these clubs' respective seasons.
Tottenham can take heart. They had stemmed the bleeding represented by three defeats and a draw before this game.
They remain fourth, five points clear of Chelsea in fifth and, for now, the last Champions League spot is in their possession.
'It was an important point for us,' said Redknapp. 'And the longer it went on, I thought we were getting at them and I could see us winning it. I think they were probably more happy to hear the whistle than us.'
For Chelsea, the future is more uncertain.
Cup glories still, potentially, await but the League campaign is withering away. It threatens to be their worst in 10 years, the last time they failed to make the Champions League, which was before the Roman Abramovich era.
'It's going to be difficult (to qualify for the Champions League) but from the day I was appointed we always knew it was going to be a difficult task,' said Roberto Di Matteo.
'But there are still eight games to play. Of course, fourth spot is very important for our club.'
Di Matteo's task is to prove that the energy and fight the club showed of late, most notably against Napoli, were something more than impetus provided by a change.
For on Saturday they looked laborious. 'In the first half we were a little bit too slow with possession,' said Di Matteo. ‘We didn’t move the ball quick enough to get into dangerous positions.’
In the second half, they were worse. In a tedious opening half-hour, neither team looked especially impressive. It was 28 minutes before anything of note, when William Gallas blocked Frank Lampard in the box, causing him to fall. Referee Martin Atkinson generously ignored it.
A spectacular if fruitless 80-yard run by Adebayor, which ended in him wasting a cross for Kyle Walker, was the highlight until Tottenham went close to taking the lead on the stroke half time.
Bale played in Modric, who accelerated past Michael Essien and crossed for Rafael van der Vaart, whose shot at Cech was parried away. Van der Vaart was quickest to react, shooting again, only for Ashley Cole to clear off the line. Adebayor stretched to head the rebound but he directed the chance over.
Chelsea’s chances were few and far between. Benoit Assou-Ekotto’s challenge in the area on Ramires on 63 minutes looked clumsy and Di Matteo was off his bench demanding a penalty.
‘There will be a lot of twists and turns, you know,’ said Redknapp.
‘Even Arsenal still have some tough games. It’s all to play for.’
None of which you could dispute.

==================

Mirror:

Chelsea 0-0 Tottenham
By Steve Stammers

Honours even at Stamford Bridge. But the result will mean more to Tottenham as they cling on to their ambition of a top-four finish – or even top three.
The recent decline has brought a sudden reality check at White Hart Lane. Third place seemed theirs for the taking. Not any more – and if they had lost in the spring heat of Stamford Bridge, Chelsea would have narrowed the gap in the race for Champions League places.
But the resolve that appeared to go AWOL during the weeks of freefall that followed speculation concerning Harry Redknapp and the England job made a welcome re-appearance just when it was needed.
“We were excellent,” said Redknapp, who knew that defeat would have meant an anxious run-in. Instead, he came away from west London with a top three ­finish still in his sights.
Redknapp added: “It is not a done deal that Arsenal will finish third, not by any means.
“We have not given up on that, not at all. Arsenal have had a great run, there is no question.
“But they have had their bits of luck as well. They have scored late goals and now maybe we will get some luck.”
Luck was in short supply in a strangely-muted London derby that is often remembered for its ferocity. Not yesterday’s, however.
And although Chelsea can claim their share of ill-fortune when Juan Mata hit the inside of the post from a free-kick in the 73rd minute, the more clear-cut chances fell to Tottenham. And by some distance as well.
On the stroke of half-time, Rafael van der Vaart was denied by a tremendous close-range save from Petr Cech – “Fantastic” was Redknapp’s description – and then Ashley Cole blocked the Dutchman’s follow-up effort.
Gareth Bale, who cruelly exposed the defensive deficiences of substitute David Luiz, hit the bar with a header during a period of second-half pressure.
He also brought the best out of Cech with a late free-kick. But the most clear-cut opening of all fell to ­Emmanuel Adebayor with just 11 minutes left.
The nimble Luka Modric opened up the Chelsea defence and the Togo striker accelerated clear. Cech came out and though Adebayor knocked the ball round him, the touch was a little heavy.
His shot was still goalbound, but Gary Cahill was able to provide a telling interception at the expense of a corner.
Redknapp said: “I thought we were going to win it. But I was really pleased with the performance. I reckon we need to win six of our last eight games.”
So top three rather than fourth place is back on the agenda.
Right now, Chelsea would settle for the chance to play in Europe’s money-spinning club tournament and the prestige that goes with it.
“We were looking to win and close the gap on Tottenham,” said interim manager Roberto Di Matteo.
“But we have to give credit to them. They defended well.”
He also claimed Chelsea should have had a penalty when Brazilian Ramires was eased out of the way by Benoit Assou-Ekotto as he went for a cross midway through the second half.
“It was 100 per cent a penalty,” said Di Matteo, who admitted that Champions League football is essential for the future well-being of Chelsea.
A five-point cushion remains, giving Spurs breathing space.
Chelsea have a harder finish to their programme. So, as the Spurs boss pointed out, do Arsenal.
“They still have to play Chelsea and Manchester City,” noted Redknapp. “There are going to be a lot more twists and turns to come.”
Not once was Redknapp asked in the match post-mortem about England.
He wants all talk about that to be put on the back-burner as he looks to re-group his squad for the next eight crucial matches.
He said: “Although the results have gone against us, I have been pleased with the way we have been ­playing.
“I would be the first to say if we had been poor. But we haven’t. And today was a good result for us.”
One consolation for Di Matteo was that inspirational captain John Terry came through unscathed. He will be needed against Benfica in Lisbon on Tuesday night.
His value was evident yesterday and no-one gave more to supress the energetic Tottenham strikeforce than the skipper.

=========================

Sun:

Chelsea 0 Tottenham 0
By ROB BEASLEY

AT least we got to top up our tans in the Spring sunshine without too much to disturb us.
If only someone had brought a picnic along it would have been a wonderful couple of hours in West London.
As it was we had to suffer for our rays. And I mean SUFFER.
For this was poor, very poor.
It had the flavour of an end-of-season affair between two teams for which there was nothing left on offer.
Crazy when you think this was actually a huge clash between two teams scrapping for a place in the pantheon of European football, the Champions League.
But stuttering Tottenham and stumbling Chelsea wilted under the pressure, wilted in the heat.
Spurs shaded it, 15 chances — five on target to Chelsea's five with two on target.
Nowhere near good enough from the Blues who could have moved within two points of their North London neighbours had they won.
That never looked likely even though caretaker boss Roberto Di Matteo had described this as a game of "great importance" while fit-again captain John Terry promised it would be a "massive occasion". The truth is it was a complete and utter non-event.
If this is the best the Premier League can offer up for the Champions League next term, then maybe we should just enter three teams.
Yes, it was that bad.
It was a mainly forgettable first half, which saw Chelsea reduced to desperately appealing for a penalty when Frank Lampard was blocked off by former team-mate William Gallas.
Even Lampard did not look like he believed it was a spot-kick but that did not stop Di Matteo arguing: "It was one that on a good day you can get." Spurs did not impress either. The visitors' best opening in the first 45 minutes came in time added on when Rafael van der Vaart saw a shot saved by Chelsea keeper Petr Cech.
The Dutchman's follow-up was blocked by defender Ashley Cole and Emmanuel Adebayor headed the rebound over.
Close, guys, but no cigar.
Tottenham were first to threaten again after the break, Gareth Bale disappointingly driving into the side-netting when he should have done far better.
Spurs fans were celebrating a goal.
Yes, we were all getting that desperate for some excitement. To be fair, things did improve as the clock ran down.
Di Matteo claimed another penalty just after the hour when Benoit Assou-Ekotto appeared to pull back Ramires as he surged forward in the area.
But, again, referee Martin Atkinson did not respond.
The interim Chelsea boss was not impressed and moaned: "The Ramires one was a 100 per cent, absolute penalty."
He had obviously cottoned on that a penalty or set-piece was the only way his labouring, lack-lustre side might score.
Indeed, Juan Mata's free-kick 17 minutes from time almost broke the deadlock.
The Spaniard was again way below par and guilty of giving away far too much possession in a crowded, hectic midfield.
Suddenly, he was away from the snapping and snarling, with time to measure his effort.
Boy, was he close, curling a superb strike over the wall to hit the foot of Brad Friedel's left-hand post with the keeper flat-footed and beaten all ends up.
But instead of inspiring Chelsea to push harder for the win they so badly needed, it actually had a galvanising effect on Spurs.
And, in the 80th minute, Adebayor looked to have won it.
Mata was again bullied off the ball and a speedy Spurs counter-attack ended with Luka Modric sending the Togo international bursting beyond Chelsea keeper Petr Cech on the edge of the area.
Cech's attempted challenge did force Adebayor wide in the process but the whole of the Bridge still expected the Tottenham striker to score.
However, he scuffed his shot goalwards allowing the excellent Gary Cahill, who spurned Spurs for Chelsea in January's transfer window, to slide across and clear in front of his own line.
It was a temporary respite for the home side and just moments later Bale thundered a header against the Chelsea bar from Modric's corner.
Now Spurs were starting to fancy it and the Welshman almost nicked it. His stinging free-kick bounced in front of Cech but still the keeper managed to dive full length and push it clear.
That confirmed the stalemate, leaving fourth-placed Tottenham frustrated and relieved.
Frustrated they had failed to win but also relieved that the five-
point buffer between them and the Blues remains with just eight games to go.
Boss Harry Redknapp is optimistic his men can maintain their advantage to claim a top-four finish. Even top three, maybe.
Redknapp said: "It's an important point for us, it keeps them five points behind us and us in position for the Champions League.
"Now we have to keep picking up results, win six out of the last eight if we can.
"I still think third is a realistic target. It's not a done deal that Arsenal will finish third."
Di Matteo tried to respond adding: "It is going to be difficult now, we will have to win them all."
Little chance of that on this form.

Chelsea: Cech, Bosingwa (Luiz 60), Cahill, Terry, Cole, Essien (Torres 75), Lampard, Ramires, Mata, Sturridge (Kalou 89), Drogba. Subs not used: Turnbull, Mikel, Malouda, Meireles. Booked: Essien.

Tottenham: Friedel, Walker, Kaboul, Gallas, Assou-Ekotto, Modric, Sandro (Livermore 76), Parker, Bale, Van der Vaart (Saha 76), Adebayor. Subs not used: Cudicini, Defoe, Kranjcar, Rose, Nelsen. Booked: Assou-Ekotto, Sandro.
Att: 41, 830
Ref: Martin Atkinson (W Yorkshire).

====================

Express:

CHELSEA 0 - TOTTENHAM 0:

HAIL HARRY REDKNAPP'S TRUE GRIT HEROES
Chelsea's Petr Cech rescues his side with a fine acrobatic save from a Tottenham attack
By John Richardson

MAYBE if Gary Lineker had nipped along to the Bridge before his Match Of The Day duties Spurs would have buried their Chelsea curse.
Not having triumphed here since 1990 with a winning goal from a certain BBC TV anchorman, Spurs did everything but score.
On the day before the clocks went forward, what Tottenham would have given for turning them back to an age when Old Jug Ears was knocking them in for fun.
But in the modern era where it seems to be all about Champions League qualification, Spurs will this morning be celebrating a precious point which maintained a healthy five point gap over fifth-placed Chelsea in the scramble to finish in the top four.
It’s now five games without a league victory for Harry Redknapp’s side, but this was a performance of resilience and it involved flashes of the attacking enterprise which had enchanted the nation earlier in the season.
Most neutrals believe Spurs have something in the bank when it comes to Champions League qualification, while Chelsea are running on empty following their troublesome liaison with Andre Villas-Boas.
It’s now five games without a league victory for Harry Redknapp’s side, but this was a performance of resilience
It will be a heavy price to pay for Chelsea if they fail to qualify, especially for owner Roman Abramovich who was lured intofootball after watching Manchester United and Real Madrid in the Champions League and has looked upon the trophy as his holy grail ever since.
This was almost last chance saloon for interim boss Roberto Di Matteo and his players, a midweek defeat against Manchester City leaving them almost detached from the Big Four.
In the end they were fortunate to escape defeat, Spurs creating the greater number of chances in a game which too often sauntered aimlessly in the warm, spring sunshine.
In fact, it needed the acrobatics of Petr Cech in the last piece of action of the game to once again repel an eager Spurs.
Gareth Bale, an increasing influence during the second half, saw his free-kick spearing towards the corner of the net until Cech intervened with a save of outstanding agility.
There was nothing he could do when Luka Modric released the impressive Emmanuel Adebayor, the striker rounding Cech, but Gary Cahill managed to race back and block the goal-bound attempt.
It was a late, frantic 20-minute spell which saw Chelsea hanging on as Spurs went for the kill in an attempt to re-write the record books. Spurs arrived knowing they hadn’t won a league encounter in their previous 21 attempts in SW6. The Lineker winner was on the same weekend that Nelson Mandela was finally released from his imprisonment.
While this might not have given Spurs the freedom of Stamford Bridge, the smiles were on Tottenham faces at the final whistle.
They would have been broader if a header from Bale hadn’t thumped against the bar and another header, this time from Chelsea old boy William Gallas, hadn’t have flown over the same piece of woodwork.
They should have taken the lead right on half-time after a sterile first half painfully meandering to a close belatedly sprang to life through Tottenham’s persistence and energy.
Despite this being a place of no reward for the side from North London, Redknapp’s troops had displayed the greater craft in what was becoming a stalemate in the sun.
Suddenly out of the shadows came a crisp link-up between Bale and Modric which ended with Rafael van der Vaart firing goalwards only for Cech to come to Chelsea’s rescue with a smart block. The Dutchman should have capitalised on the rebound, but it was Ashley Cole’s turn to provide the impenetrable barrier before Adebayor completed the flurry of action, heading over the bar.
Chelsea had their moments but not as many, Juan Mata going close with a free-kick which came back off the post and Daniel Sturridge, not looking comfortable in a wide left position, crashing a shot wide after Didier Drogba had out-jumped Gallas.
Their desperation was illustrated through a couple of shouts for penalties, Frank Lampard tumbling as he and Gallas fought for the ball in the area and Ramires seemingly being nudged over after going for a cross by Benoit Assou-Ekotto.
Now for Chelsea it’s off to Lisbon for their Champions League quarter-final against Benfica. They should enjoy it while it lasts, because a return to next season’scompetition has been made a lot harder through Tottenham’s tenacious efforts.

=====================

Star:

CHELSEA 0 - TOTTENHAM 0: HAPPY HARRY REDKNAPP
By Paul Hetherington

SPURS failed to crack their ­Stamford Bridge hoo-doo – but were winners in the race for the Champions League.
It is 22 years since Tottenham last won at Chelsea but this draw almost felt like what would have been a deserved victory.
It’s FIVE league games without a win for Spurs – but more significantly they remained FIVE points ahead of their bitter rivals in the fight for a top-four finish.
That’s why Chelsea’s interim-boss Roberto Di Matteo went into the game describing it as a must-win occasion.
And he admitted: “It’s going to be difficult but there are still eight games to play.
“We will try to win as many as we can to finish in the top four. Finishing fourth is very important for the future of the club.
“We were looking to win today to close the gap but you have to give Spurs credit for the way they ­defended.”
Spurs boss Harry Redknapp said of the result: “It’s a big point for us because it keeps them five points behind.
“But it’s frustrating that we didn’t take our chances, because our performance was excellent. It’s in our favour but that could all change. I think we have got to win six of our last eight games to be sure of finishing in the top four.
“And I still believe third place is there for us.”
The first half was so poor that the crowd were stirred for the first time over a penalty appeal that rightly wasn’t given.
Frank Lampard went down after tangling with former team-mate William Gallas in the 28th minute.
But referee Martin Atkinson was well positioned to see there had been no offence.
Emmanuel Adebayor then produced a brilliant run, only for his cross to be a fraction too high for Kyle Walker.
But the sides stifled and cancelled out each other to give a low-key opening to the high-profile London derby.
That, though, could and should have changed in first-half added time.
Gareth Bale and Luka Modric opened up the ­Chelsea defence on the left to trigger a ­ bombardment of the goal.
Rafael van der Vaart was denied first by Petr Cech, then by Ashley Cole’s brilliant block. The rebound was then met by Adebayor, who headed over.
Thankfully, there was more of a buzz about the ­second half.
Juan Mata hit the Spurs post with a superb free-kick, before Tottenham produced a strong finish which should have brought them victory.
Gallas headed over, Adebayor was denied by Gary Cahill’s vital intervention after going round Cech and Bale thumped a great header against the bar.
Adebayor later said of his missed chance: “I thought I was going to score.
“I tried to take it quickly but it was a great comeback by Cahill.”
And in the fourth minute of added time, Bale was denied again with a Cech save from his free-kick.
Redknapp described that save by the Chelsea ­keeper as “a miracle.”

man city 1-2

Independent:

Nasri strike gives City a lift as Tevez makes his mark

Manchester City 2 Chelsea 1: Argentine sets up winner as Mancini’s side come from behind to stay in touch at the top
SAM WALLACE THE ETIHAD STADIUM

When the winner finally went in last night, Roberto Mancini pumped the air relentlessly with his fists, undoing a career of carefully cultivated Italian cool with one unrestrained dad-dancing-at-a-wedding celebration. It was that kind of goal for Manchester City, it was that kind of night.
Until then, they could see their first title since 1968, the one they believe will give credibility to the unprecedented investment of their Abu Dhabi owners and will be the launch-pad for the whole “project”, disappearing over the hill. Yet when the chips were down they found the strength to rescue this game and, quite possibly, their whole season.
It felt like a pivotal night, not least for the substitution in the 66 minute when Mancini summoned Carlos Tevez from the bench. The Argentine has not been seen in a City shirt since that night in Munich on 27 September when he crossed his arms and refused to budge. This time he acquiesced to his manager’s request and there was a mixed reaction to him from the home support, not least a weariness that this saga is still not over.
But in the moments after Tevez controlled a pass from Samir Nasri into him on the edge of the area, waited while Gary Cahill failed to make a challenge and then rolled it back into the path of Nasri to poke the winner past Petr Cech the mood changed again. There was no division or doubt over Tevez then, just sheer mayhem in the stands.
To come from a goal behind is one thing. To come from behind when your whole season seems to be breaking apart, when the mutineer is back in the team and the inspiration for the early part of the season – David Silva – has lost his mojo, is quite something else. City were below par at times last night but faced with the prospect of giving up the ghost when Cahill scored on the hour, or battling on, they took the latter.
It means that if they beat Stoke at the Britannia on Saturday, Mancini’s team will go back to the top of the Premier League before Manchester United’s game against Fulham on Monday. The title race is not over, in fact it is shaping up for a splendid conclusion which all points to that decisive Manchester derby on 30 April.
The stand-out performances for City came from Nasri, who last night had arguably his best game for the club since his transfer in the summer, and Yaya Toure who was a powerful, surging force from midfield. So too Sergio Aguero who scored the equaliser from the penalty spot on 77 minutes.
Before then this was shaping up to be a remarkable fifth straight win for Chelsea’s caretaker manager. As it turned out, Di Matteo’s team remain fifth in the table with six points separating them from Arsenal in third and five from Spurs who they play on Saturday. A lot of the old problems came home to roost again last night.
Di Matteo picked Fernando Torres to start the game, with Didier Drogba presumably rested in the hope that he will be fresh for Saturday, and although the pnds50m man began relatively brightly he looked all run out by the time Drogba replaced him. Torres’ reaction was telling, a dead-eyed walk past Di Matteo that had the Chelsea caretaker manager scurrying backward to mollify him.
Di Matteo need not have bothered. It should tell him all he needs to know that his team’s goal came from a centre-back. Torres bickered away with Yaya Toure for much of the game, and faded badly.
The Chelsea team looked different again last night with Frank Lampard deployed deeper and Raul Meireles pushed up closer in behind Torres. Ramires was on the right wing in the position usually occupied by Daniel Sturridge, who stayed on the bench. There was no sign of the injured John Terry on the bench.
In the first half Nasri went the closest for City, clipping the bar having taken Yaya Toure’s long ball on his chest and hitting a shot that beat Petr Cech. It was a lovely bit of skill and not much more than a half-chance when the ball left Toure’s foot. But it was as good as it got for City, one chance for Mario Balotelli aside.
That was when he intercepted Lampard’s careless sideways ball and ran at goal with 29 minutes played. Bearing down on Cech, the Chelsea goalkeeper did well to get a faint touch on the shot and push it wide of the post.
As City’s momentum failed to translate into goals, there was also the sideshow of Tevez’s presence on the bench. He was part of the second batch of substitutes to warm up and he rose to his feet just as Balotelli was released on goal which meant that his walk down to the touchline went largely unnoticed. There had been booing when his name was read out at the start of the game, and then again when he came out for the warm-up. But there was also much applause too.
Not that Tevez seemed to care either way.
There was something nervous about the way in which Nasri swung at Yaya Toure’s promising cut-back on 50 minutes and lifted it wildly over the bar. Five minutes later Nasri hit a cross that became a shot and Cech was forced to scamper back and push it against the bar.
Di Matteo brought Essien on for Meireles just before the hour which allowed Lampard to push further forward but within seconds Chelsea had taken the lead. From a corner, Torres challenged Yaya Toure. When the ball broke free David Luiz won the tussle with Barry and Cahill crashed the loose ball in off Yaya Toure.
Tevez’s introduction for Nigel De Jong over-shadowed Silva’s substitution after another average performance. City’s pressure eventually bore fruit. Pablo Zabaleta’s shot from the right channel clearly struck Essien’s raised arm. Penalties are Agueri’s responsibility now, and he made no mistake.
City came back for more and Nasri’s winning goal set the place ablaze. The race is on and City find themselves right at the heart of it.

Booked: Man City Nasri. Chelsea Mata, Lampard
Man of the match Yaya Touré.
Referee M Dean (Wirral)
Attendance 46,324


===============

Guardian:

Manchester City's Carlos Tevez helps Nasri deliver win against Chelsea
Daniel Taylor at the Etihad Stadium

It was the night Carlos Tevez was reintroduced to the Premier League but, for Manchester City, they will cherish what happened here for different reasons. Tevez's first appearance since September was only a sideshow compared to the real story of what this victory means for Roberto Mancini's team, the consequences at the top of the table and the message it sends to Manchester United.This was the night they set a new Premier League record of 20 straight home wins but, of far greater importance, it was also the moment when they made it very clear they are not just going to crumple now the advantage is with the team from Old Trafford.Alan Hansen had talked of this team being on the brink of "capitulation" after their defeat at Swansea and yet here they were, recovering from a goal down, showing the resolve and strength of personality that any team with genuine championship credentials needs.They had gone behind after an hour, via Gary Cahill's deflected shot, to a Chelsea side that has rediscovered the art of winning football matches and, briefly, there was the inescapable sense of a telling, potentially devastating blow, to their title hopes.Instead, what followed was a demonstration of the qualities that Mancini has been trying to cultivate. City kept pressing forward, Tevez was brought on for his energy and drive and, in the end, they wore Chelsea down. Sergio Agüero equalised with a 78th-minute penalty and then there was the final, frenzied onslaught of the Chelsea goal that eventually saw Samir Nasri poke in the goal which means City have clambered within a point of United.Almost inevitably, Tevez was involved in the game's decisive moment. There were boos when he was introduced, but plenty of applause, too. Many supporters are clearly willing to overlook his transgressions if he can be of use between now and the end of the season. Here was his first contribution. With five minutes to go, Nasri exchanged passes with the Argentinian, carried on running and slipped his shot past Petr Cech.Mancini's victory jig on the touchline encapsulated the emotions of the night. Afterwards, true to form, City's manager was not entirely satisfied.Invited to praise Nasri, he chose instead to say the Frenchman "could do better". There was criticism of Balotelli – "I didn't like how he played" – and he admitted the team "had not played well for three or weeks". But there was relief, too. The fixture list is so obliging to Sir Alex Ferguson's team over the coming weeks that City simply had to win this match.Mancini even borrowed the famous Ferguson line. "It felt like squeaky-bum time," he smiled.For long spells the quality was low, from both sides. City, however, probably deserved to win on the balance of play and their sheer perseverance. Nasri was the most creative player on the pitch, hitting the crossbar with a first-half shot, and Yaya Touré was a key figure, driving forward from midfield.Yet there were moments of carelessness, too. David Silva's usual accuracy with his passing had deserted him. Agüero looks like he is feeling the effects of a long, sapping season and Balotelli did not even make it beyond half-time. The Italian had run clear, courtesy of a horribly misplaced pass from Frank Lampard after 29 minutes, but dragged his shot wide and was scarcely involved otherwise.Chelsea, too, looked weary, lacking structure, misplacing far too many passes, particularly Ramires and Raul Meireles. At times Fernando Torres looked sharper, in short bursts, than we have seen him for the most part this season. At other moments he reverted to being isolated, lacking the old sureness of touch, culminating in his scowling substitution.City were missing both their first-choice centre-backs, Vincent Kompany and Joleon Lescott, and could feasibly have been more vulnerable had Didier Drogba started.Chelsea's goal came from their first shot on target. It originated from a corner and, as City struggled to clear their lines, they felt the referee, Mike Dean, should have stopped the play, first when Torres gave Touré a little nudge and then when David Luiz did similar alongside Gareth Barry, Balotelli's replacement. City had defended the corner poorly and when Cahill swung his right foot at the ball the ricochet off Touré was against them.Mancini reacted by bringing on Tevez but it was City's other Argentinians who combined for the equaliser, Pablo Zabaleta's shot striking the substitute Michael Essien's left arm and Agüero scoring, emphatically, from the penalty spot.The stage was set for one final flourish and, between them, Tevez and Nasri reminded United how difficult it is going to be to shake off the team hanging on their shoulder.

===================

Telegraph:

Manchester City 2 Chelsea 1
By Henry Winter, at the Etihad Stadium

The noisy neighbours won’t go quietly. Just when it seemed that silence was descending on the Etihad, Manchester City fought back superbly. They kept running, kept believing and kept their title dream alive.
The noisy neighbours certainly left it late to raise the roof. With 12 minutes remaining, City still trailed to Gary Cahill’s deflected strike. Then Sergio Agüero, a figure of calm and confidence, took responsibility for a penalty and the comeback was on. These are the moments that can define campaigns.
City still knew that a point was not going to be enough, not with Manchester United’s more negotiable run-in and Sir Alex Ferguson’s side exuding their usual resilience. City’s fans certainly knew, exhorting the players to seize all the points. Two dropped points would have been deeply damaging for City’s title ambitions. The nerves would have jangled unbearably. The ghost of Devon Loch would have been summoned up into headlines to haunt them.
Criticism of Roberto Mancini would have bubbled up, pointlessly so as the City hierarchy remain fully behind him, and rightly so. Unfolding events on Wednesday night demonstrated how City continue to develop under Mancini’s stewardship.
City really went for it. They had to. This was kitchen-sink time. Carlos Tévez, on as a sub, inevitably played a part, rolling a perfect pass into the box for Samir Nasri, timing his run superbly, to lift the ball elegantly over the diving Petr Cech. The Etihad was in total ecstasy, barring the bemused Chelsea section.
City supporters hugged each other wildly. The fan who had wept at the Liberty Stadium defeat was probably in amongst the writhing throng, claiming that he had never doubted the team. Mancini danced a jig of delight in the technical area. The Italian’s pre-match prediction that “we will win the title’’ would have sounded excruciatingly hollow had City not prevailed. Not now. They are still in the race.
Suddenly, with one touch from Nasri, who delivered one of his best displays for City, the mood lifted. Suddenly the talk was of pushing to within a point of United, of setting a new Premier League record with a 20th home win on the spin. Suddenly, the ripple of boos that greeted Tévez on his return to the fray after six months faded. For all Tévez’s mistakes, he can make a difference. He did here. Suddenly, City look with greater relish at their remaining fixtures.
Mancini’s men now travel to Stoke before home games with Sunderland and West Brom either side of a tough-looking trip to a revitalised Arsenal. April away days at Norwich City and Wolves lurk before the seismic meeting with United at the Etihad. City finish the season with Newcastle away and Mark Hughes’s QPR at home.
If the race goes down to the final Sunday of the season, such a United icon and sacked City manager as Hughes will be fired up. The mischievous imps in the computer calendar must be chuckling at such a prospect.
The likelihood is the title will be settled by then. United boast a far more manageable run-in, including home games against Fulham, QPR, Aston Villa, Everton and Swansea with only Blackburn, Wigan, City and Sunderland away. More and more, that April 30 Etihad showdown looks the date of destiny.
This Etihad occasion had been poor for 45 minutes. The game was too congested in midfield, crying out for some flair. The attention was commanded by a Nasri shot on to the bar, a Mario Balotelli strike that Cech saved and some intelligent running from Fernando Torres. There was also an amusing verbal joust between the fans. When Chelsea supporters broke into “there’s only one team in Europe”, City fans hit back instantly with “you’re just the third team in London”.
With Spurs slowing up, Chelsea might fancy their chances of joining Arsenal in collecting Champions League positions behind the Manchester heavyweights. Their hopes rose even higher when Cahill scored on the hour. In the wake of a Chelsea corner, David Luiz challenged Gareth Barry. The ball rebounded to Cahill, whose shot deflected off Yaya Touré, wrong-footed Joe Hart and flew in, slightly apologetically.
As Cahill slid across the turf in celebration, Mancini was already plotting an attempted recovery. The footballer who had apparently been “treated like a dog’’ was now let off the leash, invited to run at Chelsea. Tévez came on to a mixed reception, two-thirds’ applause to one-third booing. Some City fans had clearly neither forgotten nor forgiven the Argentine for refusing to warm up in Munich six months ago. Chelsea fans certainly remembered. “That Carlos Tévez, he plays when he wants,’’ chanted the visitors.
Instead of making any further point about Tévez, City fans simply made a point about where their loyalties lay, loudly singing Mancini’s name. Chelsea’s contingent responded with songs of praise for Roberto Di Matteo and Eddie Newton. Briefly, Chelsea hinted at a second goal and only Hart’s strong hands kept out a Juan Mata drive. Big save.
City fought hard against the fading of their title light. Tévez was buzzing around, injecting some impetus, distracting Chelsea players, creating space for his City team-mates. He acted like an adrenalin shot on the City system. With 12 minutes remaining, City were level. When Pablo Zabaleta fired the ball goalwards, Michael Essien clearly handled and Mike Dean pointed unhesitatingly to the spot. Agüero also made no mistake, stroking the penalty past Cech.
The force was fully with City now. Nasri has rarely captured his Arsenal form but he twinkled with nimble threat here, taking his goal well, sealing a comeback that could cause concern in the United copyright department. And then came the final whistle, relief mingling with glee. The race continues.

Man City: Hart, Zabaleta, Richards, Toure, Clichy, Silva (Dzeko 76), Toure Yaya, De Jong (Tevez 66), Nasri, Aguero, Balotelli (Barry 46).Subs: Pantilimon, Milner, Kolarov, Savic.Booked: Nasri. Goals: Aguero 78 pen, Nasri 85.
Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic (Bosingwa 21), Luiz, Cahill, Cole, Mikel, Meireles (Essien 58), Ramires, Lampard, Mata, Torres (Drogba 73).Subs: Turnbull, Malouda, Kalou, Sturridge.Booked: Mata, Lampard. Goals: Cahill 60.

=================

Mail:

Manchester City 2 Chelsea 1: Tevez inspires Blues to crucial comeback victory
By IAN LADYMAN

After an hour at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night, Manchester City looked as though they might be finished. If not out of the title race then certainly out of steam, seemingly incapable of mustering a response to a crushing Gary Cahill goal.
But that was before the man Roberto Mancini said would never play for the club again was sent on to the field with a pat on the back from the same City manager. That was before Sergio Aguero levelled the scores from the penalty spot and Carlos Tevez then marked his return to first-team action with the quite brilliant ball that enabled Samir Nasri to win this utterly absorbing contest.
This, the rebellious Tevez should now understand, is what an act of defiance should amount to - not a refusal to warm up but a refusal to sit down, and in City’s case allow Manchester United to run away with the Barclays Premier League title.
A precious victory was down to much more than the reappearance of a player who had the look of someone who has not played a first-team match for six months. But there can be no denying that the man who has been welcomed back like a new signing might have helped give City a new lease of life when they need it most.
Before Tevez’s arrival from the bench in the 66th minute, City were floundering. Players who were setting the League alight earlier this season looked tired. Aguero was struggling, as were David Silva and Yaya Toure.
But, from inside themselves, they also found something extra - in this instance a response to the grim realisation that, for all Mancini’s confidence on the eve of this encounter, there is a difference between saying it and doing it; between saying your side will win the title and actually going out and getting the job done.
Had City followed that defeat at Swansea with the loss of yet more points and another disappointing performance, it would have been difficult to see them arresting their slide and catching a Manchester United side now on something of a roll. It would not have just been an 11-point swing. It would have been the sight of two teams travelling in opposite directions; one forwards and one backwards.
Against a Chelsea side revitalised by the departure of Andre Villas-Boas and able to reflect on four straight wins and progress to the last eight of the Champions League, they were experiencing real difficulties. Even in the absence of John Terry and even after Roberto Di Matteo took the decision to select Fernando Torres ahead of Didier Drogba. In fairness to the Chelsea boss, Torres did all that could have been asked of him even if his angry reaction to being taken off was unnecessary. Chances were limited but the Spaniard worked tirelessly until Di Matteo sent on Drogba’s fresher legs.
But it took something special from City to win this game, and something that will leave United in no doubt that this title race will go to the wire.
If there was any self-doubt developing inside the City dressing room, this would have gone some way to dispelling it. If there was any over-confidence developing at United, it would not be there now.
It was an intriguing game, and one that started with Nasri taking a ball forward from Yaya Toure beautifully before sending a delightful chip against Petr Cech’s bar.
Chelsea had enjoyed a decent chance of their own by then, Torres carving out an opportunity that Juan Mata squandered with a poor effort.
But City seemed to be up for this and really should have secured the lead when a misplaced pass from Frank Lampard suddenly sent Mario Balotelli clear. Much to the very obvious disappointment of the City bench, Balotelli dragged his shot wide with only Cech to beat and was hooked at half-time.
By then Mancini was growing increasingly agitated, the source of his frustration the fact that his side had lost their early momentum. They lacked their usual desire and intensity, with Balotelli most guilty and seemingly determined to lose his place to Tevez.
It was the determination of Torres that earned the corner from which Chelsea scored. Mata delivered from the right and Cahill seized on Yaya Toure’s failure to clear with a shot that took a nasty deflection off the former Barcelona midfielder. Joe Hart had no chance.
Mancini’s response was to send on Tevez for Nigel de Jong but it would be a further 12 minutes before the breakthrough came. Michael Essien did raise his hands to block a shot from Pablo Zabaleta at point-blank range and Aguero did the rest from the penalty spot.
Tevez, understandably, did not look his sharpest. But, while fitness can be temporary, class is permanent and the way he held off Cahill to receive Nasri’s ball and then deliver it back to the fast- advancing Frenchman on the turn was quite superb.
In a split second Nasri was through and clear, guiding his effort beyond Cech in some style.
If there were a few boos and jeers for Tevez when his name was read out before kick-off, and again when he warmed up midway through the first half, there were none after Nasri’s goal.
Not when United’s lead at the summit of the Premier League table had been cut quite spectacularly back to a single point.

IN FOCUS
Samir Nasri: The France forward may have had a modest first campaign at City since his £24million move from Arsenal but he proved his worth with the winner.Stefan Savic: City’s young Montenegrin had a night on the bench after his problems at centre half, with Micah Richards moving into the middle and made captain.David Luiz: Handed another chance to dazzle with his unique brand of defending, but was there really a need for the long-socks-over-cycling-shorts combo?

=================

Sun:

Man City 2 Chelsea 1
VERY NAS ... Samir Nasri celebrates his dramatic winner
By SHAUN CUSTIS

Carlos Tevez returned from six months in exile since his Munich bust-up with manager Roberto Mancini and produced the pass which put the spark back into Manchester City's title bid.
Mancini's men were a goal behind to Gary Cahill's deflected shot when Tevez was summoned from the bench by the boss with 66 minutes gone — and this time round the Argy was bang up for it.
After his mate Sergio Aguero equalised from the penalty spot, Tevez played a sublime one-two with Samir Nasri with five minutes left and the Frenchman clipped the dramatic winner into the corner.
It marked a record-breaking 20th home Premier League win in a row for City — and the fans in the Etihad Stadium went mad.
They believe once more that they can triumph in this title race as they closed the gap on rivals Manchester United to a single point.
City deserved victory on the balance of play but, until Tevez came on, there was concern that their bid to overhaul United was coming to a grinding halt.
Whatever you think of the barrel-chested striker — and there are plenty of opinions — it is undeniable that he is an extremely gifted footballer.
And when Tevez does actually make it on to the field of play, his work-rate is rarely questioned.
Nobody expected to see Tevez in a City shirt again but now he is, he could be the missing piece in the jigsaw.
Last night, his touch of guile was sorely needed with Aguero getting little change out of Cahill and David Luiz, while Italian hitman Mario Balotelli was so out of sorts he was subbed at half-time.
Mancini had come out defiantly pre-match to claim that his side would win the title and needed a victory to support his brave boast.
To that end, ever the pragmatist, he welcomed back Tevez.
There was muted applause for the Argentina ace as he practised before kick-off but none of the fans will be complaining if Tevez helps win them the title.
And with Nasri playing possibly his best game since his £24million summer arrival from Arsenal, City were unlucky not to take the lead on eight minutes.
Yaya Toure played a raking 40-yard through ball and Nasri expertly chested down and chipped over Petr Cech. The crowd were celebrating as it headed towards goal but there were groans when it struck the bar and bounced away.
Nasri again tried a long-range drive which was just over the bar — and when the Blues' skipper for the night Frank Lampard gave the ball away, it seemed Balotelli must go on and score.
But the striker was having one of those nights and, though Cech saved his shot, it was never going in anyway.
Mancini made no apology for hauling the sulky frontman off and replacing him with Gareth Barry arguing, quite simply, afterwards that his fellow Italian was not any good.
Chelsea had enjoyed a resurgence under caretaker-boss Roberto Di Matteo, winning four games in a row since he took over from the axed Andre Villas-Boas.
It was a big week for the West Londoners, with a home game against Spurs to follow and the trip to Lisbon next Tuesday for the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Benfica.
But they were digging in to keep the scores level and Nasri again caused problems when his cross-cum-shot was tipped on to the bar by Cech. From there, the ball was turned back in and David Silva's effort was deflected just wide.
From the corner, Aguero's acrobatic volley flew over.
Di Matteo decided he needed more steel in midfield and replaced Raul Meireles with Michael Essien.
Within a minute, Chelsea were ahead against the run of play as Barry lost out in a tangle with David Luiz and Cahill's shot was deflected past Joe Hart by the unfortunate Yaya Toure.
That meant it was time for Tevez — and he came on in place of Nigel De Jong to more cheers than boos.
City fans might not like what he has done but they are a forgiving bunch.
For Chelsea, Didier Drogba replaced Fernando Torres, who had battled hard up front without reward.
The former Liverpool man retained his place after his double against Leicester in the FA Cup broke a goal drought which had lasted longer than 24 hours of pitch time.
However, you still had to go back to September for his last goal in the Premier League and he was far from happy at being hooked.
It needed a consoling word from Di Matteo to stop him throwing his toys out of the pram.
City looked shattered and without the same purpose they had shown in the first half.
But they got a lifeline when Pablo Zabaleta crashed in a drive which would have gone high into the stands had Essien not blocked it with a raised arm. It happened at close range and, though Di Matteo claimed it was harsh, credit to him for conceding it probably was a penalty.
Aguero tucked away the spot-kick with 12 minutes left and it was game on again for City.
When Nasri collected he knew exactly what to do. The Frenchman played it in to the feet of Tevez, continued his run and took the return pass from which he gleefully converted.
Last term, Tevez lifted City's first silverware in 35 years as his team claimed the FA Cup.
What a twist it would be if he is parading the Premier League trophy at the Etihad on May 13.

DREAM TEAM
STAR MAN - SAMIR NASRI (Man City)

Man City: Hart 6, Zabaleta 6, Richards 7, K Toure 6, Clichy 6, Silva 5 (Dzeko 6), Y Toure 7, De Jong 6 (Tevez 7), Nasri 8, Aguero 6, Balotelli 5 (Barry 6). Subs not used: Pantilimon, Milner, Kolarov, Savic. Booked: Nasri.
Chelsea: Cech 6, Ivanovic 5 (Bosingwa 6), Luiz 7, Cahill 7, Cole 6, Mikel 6, Meireles 5 (Essien 6), Ramires 6, Lampard 6, Mata 6, Torres 6 (Drogba 6). Subs not used: Turnbull, Malouda, Kalou, Sturridge. Booked: Mata, Lampard.

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Express:

HE HAS made plenty of wrong moves over the last six months but Carlos Tevez finally got it right last night.
And after all the acrimony, controversy and fines, he earned instant forgiveness.
When Tevez came on as a 66th-minute substitute, Manchester City were trailing to Gary Cahill’s deflected shot and facing a defeat that would have seriously damaged their title hopes.
Even if his reception from the crowd was mixed, Tevez’s presence seemed to lift his team-mates.
He won the corner from which City earned a penalty, converted by Sergio Aguero, and then played a crucial part in Samir Nasri’s late winner.
In his first appearance since his Munich mutiny, Tevez was twice involved in the move for the goal that sent the Etihad Stadium into meltdown.
But it was his superbly judged return pass that opened the huge gap in Chelsea’s defence that Nasri exploited by chipping his shot over Petr Cech. Many fans believed Tevez should never play for the club again after his bust-up with manager Roberto Mancini in Munich and his unauthorised return to Argentina.
ven if his reception from the crowd was mixed, Tevez’s presence seemed to lift his team-mates
But football fans, like players and managers, are pragmatic creatures and any dissenters were drowned out by cheers at the final whistle.
It was always likely to be the case that if Tevez helps City end 44 years of hurt by pipping United to the title then he will have restored much of his tarnished reputation.
Tevez seems to have a personal vendetta against Chelsea. He had scored six in six Premier League appearances against them for West Ham, Manchester United and City as well as scoring one of United’s penalties in the Champions League final shoot-out in Moscow in 2008.
But last night’s “assist” was as important as any of those goals – not just because it closes the gap on United at the top to only one point but also because of the psychological lift it will give the City squad after the demoralising defeat at Swansea and the Europa League exit to Sporting Lisbon had raised question marks over their ‘bottle’.
Now they can regain pole position by winning at Stoke on Saturday before United take on Fulham on Monday evening. But they had to do it the hard way last night.
After Cahill’s scruffy goal looked as if it might earn Chelsea the distinction of becoming the first team to complete the double over Mancini’s team, City showed the spirit of champions by storming back to preserve their 100 per cent home record for the season and set a new Premier League record of 20 consecutive home wins.
Chelsea may have gone down to their first defeat since Roberto Di Matteo took over as caretaker but they certainly made City work hard for their money.
Tevez’s stunning impact overshadowed the fact that Nasri had his best game for City. He was everywhere in the first half when he strike the bar with one shot and sent another just over, while David Silva and Mario Balotelli missed good chances.
Mancini deserves much credit for his half-time substitution. He dragged off the ineffective Balotelli, sent on Gareth Barry and that allowed Yaya Toure to get further forward. Chelsea had been on the back foot and took the lead against the run of play.
City failed to clear Juan Mata’s corner and when the ball fell to Cahill his shot deflected off Yaya Toure and past the wrong-footed Joe Hart.
It was the signal for Tevez to come on and he was immediately into the action despite being ring-rusty. Pablo Zabaleta won the penalty when his shot was handled by Michael Essien, who could not complain about referee Mike Dean’s decision because his arms were in the air rather than down by his side.
City felt a sense of justice being served because it was an almost identical incident that earned Chelsea their spot-kick winner over City in December, when Joleon Lescott had handled and Frank Lampard converted.
This time Aguero sent Cech the wrong way from the spot for his 22nd goal of the season and City closed in for the kill in a rousing finale.
It was the perfect scenario for Tevez to transform himself from villain to hero. And the moment arrived in the 85th minute when he weaved his magic for Nasri to put City back into the title race.

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Star:

MANCHESTER CITY 2 CHELSEA 1: SLICK CARLOS TEVEZ LETS IN SAM TO STEAL IT
By Jeremy Cross

SERGIO AGUERO and Samir Nasri rescued Manchester City to keep their title hopes alive – with a little help from Carlos Tevez.
Gary Cahill had piled the pressure on Roberto Mancini with a second-half strike at the Etihad Stadium.
The England defender fired Chelsea ahead on the hour with a close-range shot that deflected off Yaya Toure and left Joe Hart stranded.
Cahill’s second goal in as many games came totally against the run of play but City only had themselves to blame after wasting several chances to go ahead.
The goal threatened to end the Blues’ proud homerecord, which has seen them remain undefeated in the league since December 2010.
But Aguero started the recovery when he scored from the spot in the 77th minute after Pablo Zabaleta’s shot was handled by Michael Essien.
Then with five minutes left Nasri struck the winnerafter playing a superb one-two with Tevez. The Argentine turned and played the ball back to Nasri, who ran on to finish in style.
As expected, Tevez ended his six-month exile when Mancini named him on the subs’ bench and he came on for Nigel De Jong after 66 minutes as City tried to turn the game round following Cahill’s goal.
But his well-publicised return went largely unnoticed by fans when he jogged out to warm up, with most people not even realising he was out there.
However, this wasn’t just about the return of the Argentine, but more about the Blues winning to keep the pressure on United at the top.
Time would tell if Tevez could help the Blues achieve their No.1 target, but in the meantime the onus remained on Aguero, Mario Balotelli and David Silva to inspire Mancini’s men.
With Vincent Kompany and Joleon Lescott both missing, Micah Richards was drafted into central defence alongside Kolo Toure.
Chelsea arrived in Manchester high on confidence following four straight wins under Robeto Di Matteo, including last week’s thrilling comeback to overcome Napoli in the Champions League.
But Di Matteo sprang a surprise by leaving Didier Drogba on the bench in favour of Fernando Torres, while John Terry was out with a calf problem.
There was also a lot on the line for the visitors, who needed a win just as badly to boost their hopes of a top-four finish.
It all added up to a mouth-watering contest and Mancini’s men made a bright start when Silva could have fired them ahead inside five minutes.
Ashley Cole misjudged a long ball from Yaya Toure and let in Zabaleta, who squared for Silva, only for the Spanish star to miss the target.
Di Matteo’s men wasted a good chance themselves soon after when Torres turned and charged at the Blues defence before feeding Juan Mata but he also missed the target.
Back came the hosts, with Nasri drifting beyond Branislav Ivanovic, only to see his clever lob over Petr Cech come back off the bar.
Minutes later Toure burst forward and fed Aguero, but his effort was intercepted by Cech with Toure screaming for a return pass instead.
Nasri tried his luck again on 26 minutes with a rasping drive from 30 yards which whistled just over the top. The Blues could sense a breakthrough and were gifted a golden chance to take the lead on 29 minutes thanks to Mata.
His woeful pass in midfield went straight to Balotelli and gave him a clear run on goal.
But with just Cech to beat he saw his scuffed shot tipped wide by the keeper as Di Matteo’s men got out of jail.
Yet despite the exciting start the contest had lost its sparkle as both sides began to cancel each other out.
Mancini took action at the start of the second half, replacing Balotelli with Gareth Barry in a move which allowed Toure to push further forward.
The truth was the Blues needed to win more than Chelsea and this was evident in Mancini’s growing frustration.
His mood wasn’t helped on 51 minutes when Silva and Toure set-up another chance, this time for Nasri, but he failed to work Cech and was off target. At least Cech was forced into action moments later when he tipped Nasri’s cross on to the bar before Aguero volleyed over from the resulting corner.
The Blues’ generosity in front of goal came back to haunt them on the hour mark when Di Matteo’s men went ahead.
City failed to deal with a Mata corner and when the ball bounced to Cahill he unleashed an instant shot which deflected off Toure and gave Hart no chance.
Moments later Mancini sent on Tevez in what appeared to be a move of desperation more than expectation.
He received a mixed reception but his part in the winner may have earned a chunk of forgiveness from those still against him.

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Mirror:

Tevez back to save the day
by Martin Lipton

You don't have to like him
In fact, after what he has done, you can't, no matter how Sky Blue your heart is.
Yet here at the Etihad, the man who has stood all season as the stand-out example of everything that is wrong with football helped transform Manchester City in their moment of crisis - and may, just, have changed the direction of the title race.
Roberto Mancini's treatment of Carlos Tevez after the Argentine's act of public insurrection in Munich last September had emboldened the City boss, made him look a bigger man.
It was Tevez who had to come back, cap in hand, tail between his legs, to ask for forgiveness, for another chance - albeit only because nobody would pay City what they wanted for him.
But as City stared into the abyss, looked over the edge, felt the vacuum sucking them in, their season on the verge of becoming a slow-motion car-crash, salvation came at the hands of the man who had done his best to destroy everything Mancini has built.
Six minutes after Gary Cahill swung his right boot for the ball to deflect off Yaya Toure's back-side and past the stranded Joe Hart, Mancini turned to Tevez.
The last time the Argentine was asked to leave the bench, at the Allianz Arena on September 27, his refusal sparked outrage, disgust and the fall-out that cost Tevez a staggering £10million before his belated return to the fold.
This time, the response was very different, even if there were almost as many boos as cheers as he replaced Nigel De Jong.
Instead of truculence, there was desire, fight, determination, a willingness to toil for the team, the colleagues he had deserted, as well as composure.
In short, everything that had made him such a hero, which made his transformation to villain all the more painful for the City fans to endure.
Even Tevez could not claim to be much more than a spectator for the moment that changed the game, as Michael Essien raised his hands to block Pablo Zabaleta's shot, Mike Dean instantly reacting to his assistant's signal.
It was Tevez's replacement as City's favourite Argentine, Sergio Aguero, who smashed home from the spot, his 24th of the season earning parity.
But Tevez still had a key, crucial, decisive part to play, one he did with five minutes on the clock.
Fittingly, the man to benefit - along with Mancini, his team-mates and the vast majority of those inside the Etihad - was Samir Nasri.
For much of the season, plenty of City fans have wondered why Mancini was so keen to land him from Arsenal in the summer, paying £25million for the privilege.
Last night, they saw the answer, as Nasri first tormented Branislav Ivanovic and then, after the Serb departed with a thigh strain, his replacement Jose Bosingwa too.
Nasri twice hit the bar, first with a suberb lofted effort after ghosting onto Yaya Toure's throughball, then, courtesy of Peter Cech's palm, after making Bosingwa look silly.
In between, only an outstanding save by Cech - after Mario Balotelli, with his one positive contribution before his half-time substitution, latched onto Frank Lampard's misplaced pass and strode goalwards - kept Chelsea on terms, although David Luiz, alongside Cahill, was immaculate at the back and Fernando Torres' efforts up front were unstinting.
And when Luiz bullied Gareth Barry from Juan Mata's half-cleared corner to create the opening that brought Cahill's second Chelsea goal in four days - as the two Toures both tried to charged it down - it looked like a first home league defeat since December 2010 and, more crucially, a four point deficit to United.
Aguero's penalty changed that but then, with time running out, the moment that may prove pivotal when the garlands and baubles are handed out in May.
Nasri received from Gael Clichy, pushed on and played in to Tevez, who swiveled and played the perfect return into the Frenchman's path as he strode on to prod past Cech and into the back of the net.
Bedlam. Sheer, unquestioned, bedlam, Nasri the hero but all eyes, all thoughts, directed towards the Prodigal son.
The last few minutes were all about anxiety, nerves, fear.
But City had the lead, had the win, had what they needed. And, now, they have Tevez back too. Which could be absolutely critical.