Chelsea had a comfortable first half in Denmark. After a 17th minute goal made all too easy by a number of Copenhagen mistakes, Chelsea was able to play the period's last half hour in a lower gear, content to cede possession to their hosts while waiting for opportunities to strike against the run of play. Though none of those opportunities were successful, Nicolas Anelka's early strike was, giving Chelsea a 1-0 lead at halftime.
FC Copenhagen Vs. Chelsea: Early Lapse Gives Blues 1-0 Halftime Lead
For Copenhagen, the deficit was the result of a handful of breakdowns that occurred in a matter of seconds. An errand back pass from the left flank gave away the ball. The midfielders were out of position. Nobody closed down the Chelsea attacker. The goalkeeper’s technique and position were poor. Put together, it was far too easy a goal for Anelka, scoring with his right foot from just inside the area.
At the other end of the park, Chelsea's defense has made the day easy for Petr Cech. Branislav Ivanovic and John Terry have been commanding on Copenhagen's crosses, while attempts to move the ball through midfield have been stymied by Frank Lampard and Michael Essien.
As a result, Chelsea has control of the tie: a road goal and a 1-0 lead at halftime.
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