More woe for Rafa as Chelsea lose first leg

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Steaua Bucharest 1 Chelsea 0

Chelsea have work to do if they are to reach the Europa League quarter-finals.

Raul Rusescu’s 35th-minute penalty condemned them to a first-leg defeat in the Romanian capital, where Rafael Benitez’s side struggled to create chances.

Steaua Bucharest, who are 12 points clear at the top of their domestic league, looked confident from the start and Alexandru Chipciu sent an early shot wide.

The Blues then went close when Branislav Ivanovic headed a Frank Lampard corner wide.

But they were soon on the back foot again and Iasmin Latovlevici’s cross led to an under-pressure Ryan Bertrand impeding Rusescu, who converted the resulting spot-kick.

Chelsea responded strongly and Steaua keeper Ciprian Tatarusanu produced saves to deny Yossi Benayoun and Fernando Torres shortly before the break.

Interim manager Benitez made five changes to the Chelsea side, with John Terry, Torres, Benayoun, John Obi Mikel and Bertrand drafted in.

Chelsea upped the tempo after Mata came on for Benayoun midway through the second half but were unable to find an equaliser.

Eden Hazard blasted over before being replaced by Marko Marin, who had a late effort saved by Tatarusanu.

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Cech; Ivanovic, Luiz, Terry, Bertrand; Lampard, Mikel; Benayoun (Mata 64), Oscar, Hazard (Marin 75); Torres.
Subs not used: Turnbull, Cole, Ferreira, Cahill, Azpilicueta.

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