Schalke 0-0 ChelseaChelsea will be disappointed with the 0-0 draw at the Arena AufSchalke in Gelsenkirchen. Schalke were resolute in their defense as they tried to erase memories of a 2-0 loss at Stamford Bride in an earlier UEFA Champions League encounter.
Schalke struggled to name a full side thanks to a spate of injuries that have beset them. Kevin Kuranyi and Halil Altıntop were unavailable for this game, meaning the German side were severely handicapped in their strike department.
Still Heiko Westermann managed to test Petr Cech, who was alert enough to make two fine saves. Ivan Rakitić got an early chance with a free-kick, but he shot over. The Blues responded through prolific striker Didier Drogba in the 6th minute, but goalkeeper Manuel Neuer tipped his shot over.
On 18 minutes Cech was forced to make a fine save off Mesut Özil's shot and was called into action minutes later with a Westermann shot. Søren Larsen sent his shot into the netting with Cech beaten all ends up minutes later.
After the break, Carlo Cudicini came on for Cech, who appeared to have an injury. Cudcini was tested early on and had to parry Rakitić's low drive on 58 minutes. John Obi Mikel came on for Belletti, but was unable to make much of a difference. On the other end Løvenkrands replaced Özil and almost stole a late winner, but his shot hit the post.
Chelsea are on top of Group B with 8 points from 4 games, while Schalke are third with four points from four games.
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