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Chelsea celebrate victory - Source: Reuters -
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Nicolas Anelka's second-half header earned Chelsea a 1-0 win
against Porto on Thursday and guaranteed the English side will win
Champions League Group D with one match still remaining.
The goal came from a simple move in the 69th minute. With the Porto
defenders static, Yuri Zhirkov fed Florent Malouda on the left wing
and the Frenchman crossed for his compatriot Anelka to head in
unchallenged.
Anelka was a threat throughout and created the first chance on 15
minutes with a powerful shot that Beto blocked with some
difficulty.
Porto, who like Chelsea had already qualified for the last 16,
responded with Argentine midfielder Fernando Belluschi forcing a
save from Petr Cech. Striker Radamel Falcao pounced on the rebound
but also sent his shot straight at the keeper.
The influential Belluschi had the best chance of a mostly tame
first half on 29 minutes, sending a shot crashing against Cech's
bar.
The Premier League leaders showed more intent at the start of the
second half and playmaker Deco almost netted against his former
club on 52 minutes, collecting Rolando's flawed clearance but
shooting just wide.
Porto drove forward in search of an equaliser, but substitute
forwards Hulk and Ernesto Farias were unable to trouble a composed
Chelsea backline.
Chelsea have 13 points from five matches with Porto on nine.
Atletico Madrid have three and Apoel Nicosia have two.
Champions League collated results click here
