Latest: Maribor 0 Chelsea 0

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Didier Drogba and Kurt Zouma went close for Chelsea in the opening stages in Slovenia, where a victory would clinch the Blues’ place in the knockout stage of the Champions League with two games to spare.

Zouma headed over from Cesc Fabregas’ cross and Drogba’s deflected shot was well saved by keeper Jasmin Handanovic.

Having weathered some early pressure, Maribor, recently thrashed 6-0 at Stamford Bridge, had a decent spell and striker Tavares squandered a chance when he elected to pass rather than shoot after going past John Terry.

But Chelsea regained the initiative and Andre Schurrle’s blushes were spared by an offside flag after the German contrived to miss from three yards out after being found by Willian.

Drogba and defender Zouma were both given starting places for the Group G clash. Diego Costa and Gary Cahill are among the Chelsea substitutes, as is the fit-again Ramires.

Chelsea: Cech; Ivanovic, Zouma, Terry, Filipe Luis; Matic, Fabregas; Schurrle, Willian, Hazard; Drogba.
Subs: Courtois, Cahill, Azpilicueta, Ramires, Oscar, Salah, Costa.

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