Lots for punters to learn from Chelsea Galatasaray game as World Cup nears

Gala fans that are travelling to the second leg in March will hope their Italian manager has learned a valuable lesson from this – do not play in the hands of Jose Mourinho.

That match will be something of a tactical conundrum for the Turks, as they must score at Stamford Bridge or bow out of the Champions League.

Torres on target, yet Drogba still outshines Spaniard
Chelsea striker Fernando Torres had the easiest job in the world, tapping in compatriot Azpilicueta’s cross to make it 1-0. Despite becoming the Blues’ top-scorer in Europe this term, he is still in the shadow of former teammate Didier Drogba.

Now 35, Ivory Coast captain Drogba facing his old club is the major subplot to this two-legged tie. Guaranteed a glorious reception when he returns to the Bridge, he was heavily involved in Galatasaray’s best chance before they equalised.

Drogba rose highest to knock down a corner from another Mourinho disciple Wesley Sneijder towards Gala skipper Selcuk Inan. The midfielder rattled the post from point-blank range.

For the part he played in this, Drogba gave ‘The Special One’ a timely reminder of what he used to have at Chelsea. Will he score himself back the Bridge?

Blues skipper Terry at fault for equaliser
John Terry has been a stand-out performer in defence for Chelsea this season. Mourinho’s comeback has reinvigorated him and the media talked up a return to the international fold with England before Roy Hodgson nixed those rumours.

Terry allowed another Sneijder corner through to Cameroon defender Aurelien Chedjou, who duly fired into the roof of the net to bring Galatasaray level on the night and back into it. To all intents and purposes, this goal did not change the balance of this tie much.

Gala must still score at Stamford Bridge. They are 6/4 to net once and 4/1 to get two goals or more. To all those pundits and commentators who talked up Terry still having what it takes to deliver on the big stage, his error here was compelling evidence it is best if Hodgson keeps him in international retirement.

Sneijder comes back to bite ‘The Special One’
Dutch playmaker Sneijder, who won the Champions League under Mourinho at Inter Milan, put the deliveries in for Galatasaray’s big moments in this match.

Eyebrows were raised moments after kick-off when Mancini had him nominally playing wide on the left, but he showed that he still belongs in elite company.

Sneijder is now one of the Netherlands’ most senior players. Clockwork Orange national coach Louis van Gaal has selected him ahead of long-time rival for the attacking midfield slot Rafael van der Vaart for their latest World Cup warm-up friendly.

At the tournament finals in Brazil, the Netherlands have a tough draw. Group B contains reigning world champions Spain and Chile, who were excellent against England last November.

Sneijder is still key to Dutch hopes and his club form was encouraging against Chelsea, so back them at 9/4 to top this pool.