A first half goal from Nemanja Matic was enough as Chelsea beat Sporting Lisbon at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.
Jose Mourinho’s side almost went ahead after two minutes when Cesc Fabregas played in Diego Costa, but the in-form Spanish international saw his effort saved by home keeper Rui Patricio.
Moments later and Gary Cahill had a chance to get on the score sheet but his lack of composure saw a good chance go begging.
The home side did grow into the game as the first half developed and they nearly went ahead through Islam Slimani, who tested the form of Thibaut Courtois, who did well to save his effort.
The deadlock was broken by an unlikely scorer in Nemanja Matic, who latched on to a Fabregas pass and headed past Patricio.
Nani came close to levelling the game but his effort from 30 yards did not trouble Courtois in the second half.
Chelsea barely looked like scoring the second period but they did manage to hold off the home side and return to England with three points.