Didier Drogba celebrates after scoring the only goal of the game.
Didier Drogba celebrates after scoring the only goal of the game. REUTERS

Chelsea hung on through blistering pressure to take a surprising 1-0 victory over Barcelona at Stamford Bridge in the first leg of the 2012 Champion's League Semi-finals.

Didier Drogba gave the Blues a lead in the second minute of stoppage time of the first half. He tucked a shot low into the right hand corner of the net, thanks to a great feed from Ramires on the left wing.

That shot was one of four attempted by Chelsea in the game and the only one actually on net. The Blues had 11 men behind the ball for most of the game, they put little to no effort into their offensive schemes beyond leaving Drogba at the top of their formation and hoping he could create on his own.

Barcelona had numerous chances to score, especially from Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta. Barcelona attempted 22 shots, though only six got on net, but Petr Cech and the Chelsea defense of John Terry, Gary Cahill Ashley Cole and Branislav Ivanovic were up to the task.

Barcelona had chances right up to the final minute. With less than 60 seconds remaining in stoppage time, Barcelona struck the post,

Chelsea now takes a 1-0 lead into the second leg of the semifinal at Camp Nou on April 24 in Barcelona.

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