Chelsea have sealed top spot in Group G of the Champions League with a comprehensive 5-0 victory away at Schalke 04 this evening.
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The Blues raced out of the blocks and only a fine save prevented Diego Costa from putting the visitors ahead inside the opening 60 seconds.
However, Schalke were unable to defend the resulting corner as John Terry thumped a header into the far corner to put Chelsea 1-0 ahead after just three minutes.
The home side continued to look shaky from set pieces as Branislav Ivanovic then sliced a volley over the bar from another corner a few moments later.
Schalke came close to an equaliser against the run play in the 13th minute, but Thibaut Courtois was relieved to see Eric Choupo-Moting's deflected effort bounce back off the crossbar and away to safety.
Chelsea soon resumed control, with Costa twice almost nicking the ball from Ralf Fahrmann.
It took until the 29th minute for them to double their lead, as a slick move ended with Willian firing a low shot underneath the body of Fahrmann.
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Costa then slipped with an open goal gaping before Oscar was thwarted by a Fahrmann save, but Jan Kirchoff directed the ball beyond his own goalkeeper on the stroke of half time to put Chelsea in complete control.
The first save of the night for Courtois came after almost an hour, but Christian Clemens's header was weak and the Belgian stopper easily gathered the ball.
Chelsea continued to slice through the Schalke defence at will and Ivanovic's thunderous volley fizzed inches wide before Costa sliced an effort at goal when well placed.
The fourth goal came in the 77th minute, as Didier Drogba rolled the ball into an empty net after unselfish play by Ramires to net his 50th European strike.
Just a minute later, the roles were reversed as the Ivorian crossed for Ramires to nod home from close range as Chelsea progressed from the group in fine style.
Kristian Johnson
