Gameweek 2 of the Champions League Round of 16 sees Group E-winners Chelsea host Group B-runners up Galatasary for the second leg of their knockout round tie. A simple win will see either opponent into the quarterfinals, on account of their stalemate in the first leg some 3 weeks before, and both sides will undeniably have their sights set on that very end.










As mentioned, the first leg in Istanbul on February 26th ended honours even with a goal for each side. Chelsea were in complete control throughout the early proceedings, and gave themselves something to show for their dominance when Fernando Torres scored on just 9 minutes to give the visitors the early lead and a crucial away goal. The Blues followed up their going ahead with yet more dominance, and had several gilt-edged chances to put the tie to bed that very night, but again suffered from the lack of cutting edge that has plagued them all season, and went into the interval just one goal up. The second half, however, saw a revival from the home side. They controlled possession throughout and were knocking on the door of Petr Cech's goal for some time, before finally breaking through with just over 25 minutes remaining when Aurelien Chedjou poked home a well-placed corner aided by some horrific Blues defending to draw his side level, and set up an inevitably exciting second leg, with both sides having every chance of progression.









This game marks the homecoming to Stamford Bridge of Chelsea legend and hero Didier Drogba, since the Ivorian's last appearance there in the last domestic game of the Blues' 2011-12 season – that, a 2-1 win over relegated Blackburn. The club's all-time fourth highest goalscorer said endearingly shortly after the draw was made that he would be playing at 'home' in both legs, and the home crowd will undoubtedly be anxious to give their beloved legend the homage and welcome-back he deserves.









-

How do you think we'll fare Shed?

Will be tough. Honestly think Gala are capable of shading it, but think we'll do just enough.

I think Jose will pull us on to victory.

I think Drogba will score.

Stamford Bridge return will be emotional... but I want to knock Chelsea out, says Drogba:
Didier Drogba insists there is no room for sentiment when he makes his much-anticipated return to Stamford Bridge with Galatasaray on Tuesday night
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2582869/Didier-Drogba-Stamford-Bridge-return-emotional-I-want-knock-Chelsea-out.html

"I’m really happy to come back and see familiar faces and it’s good."

"It won’t be difficult to play. It’s a big game, a big competition and it means a lot to my team, so I will find a way to play it."

"It’s very difficult to play against Chelsea but it will not be difficult for me to put myself into the competition."

"I belong to Galatasaray and I need to be professional."

"Of course there will be emotions, like the first leg, when I saw my ex-team-mates and the Chelsea fans in the stadium."

"It was special but then there was the game and it was tough, high intensity and it think it will be the same tomorrow."

"With all the respect I have for this club, for the fans and the players, I might not celebrate but if we win I will be happy."

Mourinho will not be beaten by Mancini

Didier Drogba admits he might have stayed at Chelsea but for contractual disagreements:
Didier Drogba admits that he would have stayed at Chelsea in 2012, if they were able to come to an agreement over a contract
http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11668/9220332/transfer-news-striker-didier-drogba-admits-he-might-have-stayed-at-chelsea

"Why did I leave Chelsea? I didn't want to talk about that, but I would have stayed if we could find a satisfactory agreement for both parties."

CHELSEA XI: Cech, Ivanovic, Terry, Cahill, Azpilicueta, Ramires, Lampard, Hazard, Oscar, Willian, Eto'o

GALATASARY XI: Eboue, Semih, Chedjou, Telles - Yekta, Melo, Selçuk - Sneijder - Burak, Didier Drogba

Great effort, lads!

ETO'OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO


4 minutes

Pre-kickoff.

As well as this.

Should be out of sight by now. Hope we don't live to regret it...

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLL!!!!!!!


Gaz Cahill scores minutes before halftime and we've one foot in the quarters

https://vine.co/v/MhpWhJrIh1a

Tore André Flo round for a halftime lap of honour

Stoppage time cameo for Kalas

Easy win for us.

Good to watch but we were never tested. Was sad to see Droggles struggle due to his age and his team.

On to the quarters.

Good win tonight, we were always in control of the match which makes me wonder why we struggled so much in the first leg, but tbh we've been drawing away and winning at home every big match of the season so I can't really blame Mou on our gameplans as long as it stays like this.

Our attackers were particulary inspired but they've missed like 8 clear cut chances so my MOTM goes to JT or Cahill, excellent performance by both considering who they were facing.

On the other hand I thought Ramires was pretty bad, it's like he just kicks randomly the ball and hopes it somehow reaches a teammate

Can't wait for the quarters.  

We're going to get Madrid in the quarters, UFEA will rig it so it happens.

Barca vs Bayern too.

Pffft. We're getting Olympiakos

Please, when doesn't UFEA rig the knock out stages? We got Gala because of Drogba, we'll get Madrid because of Mourinho.

We got Inter way back because of Mourinho, we got Barca in 2012 because of Ovrebo. There is never a classico knock out stage because they want to save that for the final.