CHELSEA GOT BACK on winning track at Stamford Bridge as they defeated Schalke 3 — 0 to put them firmly on course for qualification the Last 16 of the Champions League.
A double from Samuel Eto’o and a late strike did for the Germans and improved Jose Mourinho’s mood after a weekend league defeat to Newcastle. The highlight of the Chelsea win was a goalkeeping clanger from Schalke goalkeeper Timo Hildebrand. Eto’s cheeky block was similar to the move he pulled off against Cardiff two weeks ago:
YouTube credit: Footy-Goals.Com
Over in Amsterdam, Celtic’s Champions League hopes went up in smoke as Ajax defeated them 1 — 0. Lasse Schone finished off a great team move on 51 minutes and Neil Lennon’s side could not muster any clear-cut chances. Europa League football now seems their best bet, however upcoming games against Barcelona and AC Milan should focus the mind.
Barcelona defeated AC Milan 3 — 1 thanks to a Lionel Messi double and a strike from Sergio Busquets.