Chelsea were held 1-1 by German side Schalke 04 in their opening Champions League tie at Stamford Bridge.
The game started with both sides nervously testing each other, before a controversial moment in the 11th minute which involved former Barcelona man Cesc Fabregas, who seemed to foul Max Meyer, only for the referee to wave play in and for the Spaniard to tap home following slick play from Eden Hazard.
The latter continued to pose a threat on the Bundesliga side and saw his shot saved in the 19th minute, before Didier Drogba tested the Schalke keeper once more.
The German side did eventually get a shot on goal through Sidney Sam, who tested Thibaut Courtois from 20 yards, but the Belgian stopper proved too strong for the winger’s effort.
Courtois would then be called upon again, repeating some of the form that saw him help Atletico Madrid reach the Champions League final last season, saving a Kevin Prince Boateng strike.
Jose Mourinho’s side continued to miss chances in the second half and it proved costly as Dutch striker Klass Jan Huntelaar steered his effort into the bottom corner to make the game 1-1.
Drogba had a chance to put the hosts 2-1 ahead moments later but his missed, before being replaced by Diego Costa, who could not find a winner for the English side.
