Half-time: Steaua Bucharest 1 Chelsea 0

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Chelsea trail in the Europa League last-16 first leg after Raul Rusescu’s 35th-minute penalty.

Steaua Bucharest, who are 12 points clear at the top of their domestic league, made a confident start in the Romanian capital and Alexandru Chipciu sent an early effort wide.

The Blues stood firm and went close when Branislav Ivanovic headed a Frank Lampard corner wide.

But they were soon on the back foot again and Ryan Bertrand impeded 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 Rafael Benitez made five changes to the Chelsea side, with John Terry, Torres, Benayoun, John Obi Mikel and Bertrand drafted in.

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Cech; Ivanovic, Luiz, Terry, Bertrand; Lampard, Mikel; Benayoun, Oscar, Hazard; Torres.
Subs: Turnbull, Cole, Mata, Ferreira, Marin, Cahill, Azpilicueta.

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