Substitute Oscar scored the only goal in an uninspiring match as Chelsea started their Europa League campaign with victory against Sparta Prague. Oscar, combining nicely with Eden Hazard, found the bottom corner within 45 seconds of coming off the bench.
.
The visitors created little but, with the second leg at Stamford Bridge, are in prime position to progress. The best chances fell to Sparta's David Lafata in the first half, but the striker shot high on both occasions.
.
A workmanlike performance in the Czech capital ensures the Blues remain on track to become the fifth club (following Bayern Munich, Ajax, Juventus and Barcelona) to complete the sweep of Europe's main trophies.
.
Chelsea had already created history by becoming the first defending champions to tumble out of the group stages of the Champions League, but goalkeeper Petr Cech called on his team-mates to again ensure the club made an imprint in the annals of European football.
.
The visitors did not give the impression of a team which had been galvanized by their goalkeeper's talk of history making though.
I always knew Chelsea would beat them.
It might end 5-0 on aggregate.
i watched the match from the beginning to the end, chelsea was wack