Didier Drogba has admitted that it was "special" to play against his former teammates as Galatasaray and Chelsea battled to a 1-1 draw on Wednesday night.

A draw in Turkey leaves the last-16 tie delicately poised ahead of the second leg and Drogba believes that Galatasaray can be optimistic about their chances of progressing in the competition.

"It was a special game, to play against my old teammates," Drogba, who failed to convert a header with his only clear chance of the game, told Sky Sports News.

"I didn't get a lot of chances but the header was perfect - well, not perfect because I didn't score, but it was a great cross, I wish I could have scored this one but there is another game.

"Chelsea are the better team on paper but second half we showed we can create them some problems. Now we have to go out and do it at Stamford Bridge."

The second leg between the two sides takes place on March 18.