Drogba’s strike lifts Chelsea over Barca

Didier Drogba produced a crucial goal on the counter to top off an excellent defensive display as Chelsea took a 1-0 lead over Barcelona in their Champions League semi-final first leg at Stamford Bridge. Alexis Sanchez hit the bar early on and Cesc Fabregas had a weak effort cleared off the line before Drogba finished a smart break in first-half stoppage time. The Blues then shut Barca down effectively in a chance-scarce second period, until Pedro hit the post and Sergio Busquets launched the rebound feebly over at the death. The stunning opener against Tottenham on Sunday convinced Roberto Di Matteo to pick Drogba up front at Fernando Torres’ expense, with Gary Cahill replacing the injured David Luiz. Raul Meireles and Branislav Ivanovic were also both recalled. From