Drogba the hero for Chelsea

Didier Drogba gave new Chelsea boss Avram Grant a little ease from his worries with a crucial second-half strike that earned a Champions League win in Valencia in the 71st minute. David Villa gave Valencia an early lead, but Joe Cole and Drogba responded later.

Chelsea captain John Terry played with a mask on a fractured cheekbone and led from the front and put on a world class display.

Valencia could've scored as soon as 40 seconds through David Villa, but it only took 9 for the Spanish hitman to get on target, who showed real pace to escape Terry and slide a composed finish past Petr Cech. Cech made a crucial save after 20 minutes, to keep the Stamford Bridge side in the game, after Joaquin went very close.

Chelsea stunned Valencia when they equalised in the 21st minute. Florent Malouda was the architect, exchanging passes with Drogba before sliding in a perfect cross for Cole to get a touch just ahead of Emiliano Moretti to score.

Villa thought he had Valencia in front on 55 but his effort was disallowed for offside.

Then, with 20 minutes left the moment came that Chelsea fans were waiting for as Didier Drogba netted a fine goal. Joe Cole was the creator, winning possession before delivering a brilliant through ball with the outside of his right foot for Drogba to race clear who sent the ball home.

Chelsea inevitably had their backs to the wall for the remainder of the game - but clung on - to give Avram Grant a big smile in the Champions League.