Chelsea against Valencia

Valencia look more than capable of causing Chelsea problems when they step it up a gear but they have sat back all half and lost their attacking threat.

Double chance for Chelsea. First Carvalho has a side-footer blocked by a diving challenge, then Shevchenko tries an overhead kick that is deflected behind by Moretti.

Angulo has a half-hearted swipe from a tight angle and a long way out and it predictably ends up in the stands.

A few blue shirts are starting to get impatient and eager to get a second goal. Terry goes down in the box after he looked be have been held by Miguel but the referee waves play on.

Carvalho finds himself in a decent position to get an effort in on goal with a header. He can't quite get over it from the cross and it goes behind for a goal-kick.

The Valencia coach comes to the touchline to bark some orders to his beleagured side. They need to raise their game if they want to find another goal. Or maybe they're content in keeping it at 1-1?

Cole is met with a huge roar of approval. He's been out for so long and is back in the thick of things tonight.

Chelsea ring in the changes with Joe Cole and Shaun Wright-Phillips on for Mikel and Kalou.

Ayala gets his name taken by the ref for a cynical challenge on Shevchenko.

Silva hasn't had the same kind of affect this half and is struggling to get into the game.

Rightly so, Chelsea are taking the game to Valencia who look to have settled for a draw. A little bit of timewasting from Canizares and some of the others suggests they're going into their shell.

UPDATE: ROMA 2-1 MANCHESTER UNITED - Vucinic

Valencia are playing on the counter attack at the moment and are being forced on to the backfoot by a dominant Chelsea side.

Lampard has taken over from Ballack as chief provider. He's played some delightful balls over the top bringing the two full-backs into the game.

Chelsea still look capable of causing a threat, and Canizares looks ponderous and hesitant in between the posts.

Valencia look to wrestle back some possession. They haven't seen much of the ball in the last 15 minutes and have had little to shout about in front of goal.

UPDATE: ROMA 1-1 MANCHESTER UNITED - Wayne Rooney

Lampard hits a loose ball from 25 yards out but it squirms wide with no danger caused to Canizares. The crowd are in full voice now.

Chelsea begin to take control now and Lampard decides to come into the game with a searching pass from deep for Drogba. The flag goes up for offside, but Chelsea are dominating now.

He can't and Miguel Angulo comes on to replace the midfielder.

A short stoppage in play as Vicente goes down in a heap after a challenge from Diarra. He rolls off the pitch and surely won't play any further part.

A real change of atmosphere inside Stamford Bridge now as the home support sense they can go on to score more. Valencia have lost some of that spark that made them a threat in the first half and Chelsea are capitalising.

Valencia will be furious with the way they conceded the equaliser. They had looked more than capable of keeping out Chelsea but were clinically undone by the long ball.

Ashley Cole's hopeful punt forward confuses Canizares who gets caught out in no man's land and DIDIER DROGBA loops a header over the keeper for the equaliser.

GOAL: CHELSEA 1-1 VALENCIA

Chelsea have been forced into a slow-tempo build-up and that may just suit Valencia who are looking compact and resolute with two banks of four repelling the Blues' attacks.

The Chelsea fans roar on their players as they push forward, but first Lampard and then Cole punt hopeful balls into the box that are easily cleared.

Silva embarks on a dangerous run, this time down the right flank. Terry comes across to snuff out the danger as Valencia looked to attack on the counter.

A decent chance for Kalou straight after the restart. Diarra's fine run a sweeping cross finds the striker unmarked at the back post but he misconnects and volleys wide.

No changes at the break but surely it won't be long before we see Joe Cole for Chelsea.

The players come back on to the field and Valencia get the game back under way.

Chelsea end the half on top but remain a goal behind after Silva's sensational strike. Chelsea will need to find the spark and inspiration to break down Valencia's back line. And at the same time be wary of Silva's prowess up front.

HALF-TIME: CHELSEA 0-1 VALENCIA

Drogba shows his greedy side and slashes at goal when he could, and should have cut back for Shevchenko and Kalou who were lurking with intent.

A half chance for Chelsea as Ballack swings in a looping cross from deep with the ball dropping beyond Canizares and just out of reach of Shevchenko.

At the other all the play and attacking moves are going through Silva who is having a stormer so far.

It's all Chelsea now as we approach the final minutes of the half. Valencia are understandably holding off for the time being. They look organised and resolute at the back and so far it's paying off.

UPDATE: ROMA 0-0 MANCHESTER UNITED - Paul Scholes sent off for two bookable offences.

Chelsea starting to pen Valencia back now as the hosts get numbers behind the ball to prevent Chelsea breaking through.

Drogba tries to lay in Shevchenko with a delightful through-ball but Miguel sticks out a foot and prevents the danger.

Valencia have not dropped off since their goal. They're pressing on still and looking to expose the Chelsea defence once more. The home side are reeling at the moment.

Drogba dips a teasing free-kick over the wall but safely into the arms of Canizares who cings on to the ball.

Stunning strike from DAVID SILVA! An incredible strike with his left foot from all of 30 yards fizzes into the corner of the net with Cech left with no chance. Sublime!

GOAL: CHELSEA 0-1 VALENCIA

Great ball into the box from Ballack but Kalou just misreads it and it bounces through for a goal-kick. Ballack has really come to the party tonight and has looked to get the front two in at every opportunity.

Albelda becomes the first player to have his name taken. He scythed down Kalou when he was bursting through down the left and can have no complaints.

Lampard slashes at an effort from outside the box with his left foot and it goes horribly high and over the bar.

It's real end-to-end stuff now and a neat passing move from Chelsea earns them a corner. But Lampard clips it straight into the hands of Canizares.

Glorious chance for Silva. A cross-cum-shot from Vicente falls to Silva who sticks out a leg and somehow diverts it wide. The Chelsea defence was caught out there and should have been punished.

Ballack is at the centre of everything Chelsea are doing at the moment. His lazy style is upsetting the Valencia midfield.

The Chelsea fans seem pleased with what they're seeing. Both wingers are pushing forward and making inrodes down their flanks and Ballack looks in the mood also.

Albiol tries an ambitious effort from long-range but it bobbles out for a throw. At the other end he makes an important block to deny Shevchenko a run in on goal.

Mourinho looks pretty grumpy on the Chelsea bench. Not sure why, his side have started well and are beginning to take control of possession now.

Powerful, surging run from Ballack down the left brings a corner for Chelsea but it is headed clear by Miguel.

What a start to the match. Just over 10 minutes gone and two clear chances for either side. This could be a thriller if it maintains this pace and tempo.

Super play from Valencia. A lovely move involving Vicente, Silva and Albelda results in a shot from Vicente inside the box that flies past the near post.

Wonderful swivelling shot from Kalou cracks against the crossbar after Shevchenko had been scythed down. The ref played advantage and Kalou almost broke the deadlock.

The hosts are enjoying the lions share of possession so far too with every player looking confident on the ball.

Valencia have started brightly and have looked to get Silva and Villa into the game early on. Two early corners bring no reward.

It feels like a proper European night at Stamford Bridge. Both sides have looked sharp in the opening stages spreading the ball around quickly and efficiently.

Ashley Cole whips in a teasing and dangerous cross from the right which just evades the outstretched boot of Didier Drogba. Good chance early doors.

An early sighter for David Silva from range but he slashes hopelessly wide from 20 yards.

It's the Premier League versus Primera Liga for a place in the next round.

Chelsea get us underway.

The players are out on the pitch and the home fans are giving their all to rouse their heroes. The Champions League anthemn blares out around the ground and kick-off is imminent.

The blue and white flags are out in force tonight. The home crowd are waving them around in the chilly West London air. It's a sea of blue and white inside Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea no doubt confident of gaining an advantage in the tie.

Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho hands the pivotal midfield holding role to youngster Mikel Jon Obi instead of seasoned France veteran Claude Makelele. England midfielder Joe Cole was back after his lengthy spell on the sidelines with a fractured foot but had to settle for a place among the substitutes.

Welcome along to the live commentary of the quarter-final first-leg tie between Chelsea and Valencia. The teams have been announced and we are 30 minutes away from kick-off at Stamford Bridge.

Valencia look to wrestle back some possession. They haven't seen much of the ball in the last 15 minutes and have had little to shout about in front of goal.

UPDATE: ROMA 1-1 MANCHESTER UNITED - Wayne Rooney

Lampard hits a loose ball from 25 yards out but it squirms wide with no danger caused to Canizares. The crowd are in full voice now.

Chelsea begin to take control now and Lampard decides to come into the game with a searching pass from deep for Drogba. The flag goes up for offside, but Chelsea are dominating now.

He can't and Miguel Angulo comes on to replace the midfielder.

A short stoppage in play as Vicente goes down in a heap after a challenge from Diarra. He rolls off the pitch and surely won't play any further part.

A real change of atmosphere inside Stamford Bridge now as the home support sense they can go on to score more. Valencia have lost some of that spark that made them a threat in the first half and Chelsea are capitalising.

Valencia will be furious with the way they conceded the equaliser. They had looked more than capable of keeping out Chelsea but were clinically undone by the long ball.

Ashley Cole's hopeful punt forward confuses Canizares who gets caught out in no man's land and DIDIER DROGBA loops a header over the keeper for the equaliser.

GOAL: CHELSEA 1-1 VALENCIA

Chelsea have been forced into a slow-tempo build-up and that may just suit Valencia who are looking compact and resolute with two banks of four repelling the Blues' attacks.

The Chelsea fans roar on their players as they push forward, but first Lampard and then Cole punt hopeful balls into the box that are easily cleared.

Silva embarks on a dangerous run, this time down the right flank. Terry comes across to snuff out the danger as Valencia looked to attack on the counter.

A decent chance for Kalou straight after the restart. Diarra's fine run a sweeping cross finds the striker unmarked at the back post but he misconnects and volleys wide.

No changes at the break but surely it won't be long before we see Joe Cole for Chelsea.

The players come back on to the field and Valencia get the game back under way.

Chelsea end the half on top but remain a goal behind after Silva's sensational strike. Chelsea will need to find the spark and inspiration to break down Valencia's back line. And at the same time be wary of Silva's prowess up front.

HALF-TIME: CHELSEA 0-1 VALENCIA

Drogba shows his greedy side and slashes at goal when he could, and should have cut back for Shevchenko and Kalou who were lurking with intent.

A half chance for Chelsea as Ballack swings in a looping cross from deep with the ball dropping beyond Canizares and just out of reach of Shevchenko.

At the other all the play and attacking moves are going through Silva who is having a stormer so far.

It's all Chelsea now as we approach the final minutes of the half. Valencia are understandably holding off for the time being. They look organised and resolute at the back and so far it's paying off.

UPDATE: ROMA 0-0 MANCHESTER UNITED - Paul Scholes sent off for two bookable offences.

Chelsea starting to pen Valencia back now as the hosts get numbers behind the ball to prevent Chelsea breaking through.

Drogba tries to lay in Shevchenko with a delightful through-ball but Miguel sticks out a foot and prevents the danger.

Valencia have not dropped off since their goal. They're pressing on still and looking to expose the Chelsea defence once more. The home side are reeling at the moment.

Drogba dips a teasing free-kick over the wall but safely into the arms of Canizares who cings on to the ball.

Stunning strike from DAVID SILVA! An incredible strike with his left foot from all of 30 yards fizzes into the corner of the net with Cech left with no chance. Sublime!

GOAL: CHELSEA 0-1 VALENCIA

Great ball into the box from Ballack but Kalou just misreads it and it bounces through for a goal-kick. Ballack has really come to the party tonight and has looked to get the front two in at every opportunity.

Albelda becomes the first player to have his name taken. He scythed down Kalou when he was bursting through down the left and can have no complaints.

Lampard slashes at an effort from outside the box with his left foot and it goes horribly high and over the bar.

It's real end-to-end stuff now and a neat passing move from Chelsea earns them a corner. But Lampard clips it straight into the hands of Canizares.

Glorious chance for Silva. A cross-cum-shot from Vicente falls to Silva who sticks out a leg and somehow diverts it wide. The Chelsea defence was caught out there and should have been punished.

Ballack is at the centre of everything Chelsea are doing at the moment. His lazy style is upsetting the Valencia midfield.

The Chelsea fans seem pleased with what they're seeing. Both wingers are pushing forward and making inrodes down their flanks and Ballack looks in the mood also.

Albiol tries an ambitious effort from long-range but it bobbles out for a throw. At the other end he makes an important block to deny Shevchenko a run in on goal.

Mourinho looks pretty grumpy on the Chelsea bench. Not sure why, his side have started well and are beginning to take control of possession now.

Powerful, surging run from Ballack down the left brings a corner for Chelsea but it is headed clear by Miguel.

What a start to the match. Just over 10 minutes gone and two clear chances for either side. This could be a thriller if it maintains this pace and tempo.

Super play from Valencia. A lovely move involving Vicente, Silva and Albelda results in a shot from Vicente inside the box that flies past the near post.

Wonderful swivelling shot from Kalou cracks against the crossbar after Shevchenko had been scythed down. The ref played advantage and Kalou almost broke the deadlock.

The hosts are enjoying the lions share of possession so far too with every player looking confident on the ball.

Valencia have started brightly and have looked to get Silva and Villa into the game early on. Two early corners bring no reward.

It feels like a proper European night at Stamford Bridge. Both sides have looked sharp in the opening stages spreading the ball around quickly and efficiently.

Ashley Cole whips in a teasing and dangerous cross from the right which just evades the outstretched boot of Didier Drogba. Good chance early doors.

An early sighter for David Silva from range but he slashes hopelessly wide from 20 yards.

It's the Premier League versus Primera Liga for a place in the next round.

Chelsea get us underway.

The players are out on the pitch and the home fans are giving their all to rouse their heroes. The Champions League anthemn blares out around the ground and kick-off is imminent.

The blue and white flags are out in force tonight. The home crowd are waving them around in the chilly West London air. It's a sea of blue and white inside Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea no doubt confident of gaining an advantage in the tie.

Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho hands the pivotal midfield holding role to youngster Mikel Jon Obi instead of seasoned France veteran Claude Makelele. England midfielder Joe Cole was back after his lengthy spell on the sidelines with a fractured foot but had to settle for a place among the substitutes.

Welcome along to the live commentary of the quarter-final first-leg tie between Chelsea and Valencia. The teams have been announced and we are 30 minutes away from kick-off at Stamford Bridge.