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Terry header enough for Chelsea against Roma

22/10/2008

John Terry scored the only goal of the game in a tight match against Roma at Stamford Bridge in the Champions League.

The 1-0 win mean the Blues are now three points clear at the top of Group A after Bordeaux beat CFR Cluj 1-0.

Roma packed their midfield and their tactics worked until midway through the second half when Terry broke the deadlock with a glancing header from Frank Lampard's corner.

In a game of few chances Lampard went closest to scoring in the first half. John Obi Mikel earned a free-kick when Philippe Mexes brought him down on the edge of the penalty box.

Lampard struck a tremendous shot from the dead-ball but could only find the apex of crossbar and goalpost.

Five minutes before the break Terry had to be alert inside the Chelsea penalty box to maintain parity. Francesco Totti produced a fine piece of skill to release Matteo Brighi but his goal-bound effort was diverted by a trademark Terry block.

Blues manager Luiz Felipe Scolari replaced Florent Malouda with Juliano Belletti at half time and it nearly paid dividends immediately.

The Brazilian let fly with an effort from 20 yards out, however, he could not repeat the success he had from similar range against Middlesbrough last weekend.

Chelsea continued to look the brighter of the two sides and Salomon Kalou forced a good save out of Roma goalkeeper Alexander Doni.

Mikel then had a shot which deflected off Nicolas Anelka and nearly wrong-footed Doni only to float over the crossbar.

But the Blues did not have to wait much longer for a goal. Lampard was able to pick Terry out and his flick at the front post was enough to divert it into the bottom corner of the goal.

Lampard went close with another free-kick in the closing stages but Chelsea were happy enough with a result that gives them control of their group at the halfway stage.