Anelka class tells for Chelsea at København
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A double strike by Chelsea forward Nicolas Anelka put Danish top club FC Koebenhavn's dream run at the UEFA Champions League into question, at a knock-out stage match on Tuesday evening, in Copenhagen.
Playing at home, on a freezing evening, in front of a sell-out crowd at Parken Stadium, FC Koebenhavn never looked sure of itself. It lost 2-0 to London based Chelsea FC, at full time.
Frenchman Anelka showed fine form as he struck goals in the 17th and 54th minutes, with similar shots punched low into the net.
The clash was historic, as it marks the first time a Danish club has progressed to the final round of sixteen, or knockout-stage, of the Champions League.
But FCK's loss is its first ever defeat at home in a Champions League game, and they will be disappointed to have drawn such a strong team as Chelsea in the forst knock-out leg.
The final result was not surprising given Chelsea's pedigree and stable of international star players fielded, including Anelka, Dider Drogba and Fernando Torres. The latter recently transferred from Liverpool for 50 million pounds (80.79 million U.S. dollars), but is yet to find the net for Chelsea.
The win also signals a return to form for Chelsea, which has slumped to fifth position in the English Premier League, after winning the title in 2010, and is already out of the FA Cup.
Now, FCK will play the return leg of the knock-out stage against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in four weeks, but must score at least three goals, while restricting Chelsea to one goal, to stand a chance of qualifying.
Chelsea will have a distinct advantage in the next leg, having already scored a convincing victory at an away game, and then defending on their home turf.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
Chelsea went in to the match as high favorites, having won the English Premier league in 2010, but has struggled throughout the 2010-11 season. It is out of the FA Cup, and has slumped to fifth place in the English Premier League ranking.
Meanwhile, FCK went in with high expectations, having lost neither a single game in the Danish league this season, and nor having lost a single Champions League home game.
FCK coach Staal Solbakken fielded an expected starting line-up, and played safe with his substitutions, while using the best players he had.
But the first goal itself, struck as FCK striker Jesper Groenkjaer made a bad pass leaving an opening for Anelka to beat the hard-working FCK goalkeeper Johan Wiland in the 17th minute, was an indication of Chelsea's superior class.
A superb pass from Frank Lampard set-up Anelka to tap in his second goal of the match.
FCK midfielder Martin Vingaard and forward Dame N'Doye, displayed good form, with Vingaard coming close to scoring, but failed to find the back of the net.
Overall, Chelsea had 53 percent of ball possession, and FCK did not look dangerous at any point.
This season, FCK have had a good run against other teams in its Champions League group. It drew one match and lost another versus mighty Spain's FC Barcelona, beat Greece's FC Panathinaikos twice, and posted one win and one loss against Russian FC Rubin.
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