23/11/2006  Werder Bremen 1 Chelsea 0
 
Chelsea qualified for the knockout phase of the UEFA Champions League even though a first-half goal from Werder Bremen's Per Mertesacker condemned them to their first defeat in this season's competition.

However, the Blues still need a result against their final opponents, Levski Sofia, to ensure they go through as Group A winners.

Chelsea were well below par against a determined German side and a double injury blow compounded the agony of defeat for coach Jose Mourinho.

Star striker Didier Drogba and midfielder Michael Ballack are both doubtful for the clash with Manchester United on Sunday after collecting injuries in the second half.

Bremen looked the brighter of the two sides in the opening minutes but Chelsea provided the first real attempt on goal when Michael Essien sent an 18-yard drive flashing past the right-hand upright in the sixth minute.

Two minutes later Mikel Jon Obi squandered a fine chance to open the scoring when captain John Terry headed Geremi's free-kick back to the Nigerian youngster.

But instead of making the Bundesliga side pay for some slack defending, Mikel headed high over the crossbar from the edge of the six-yard box.

Bremen, backed by their fanatical support, countered with a fine effort from Hugo Almeida which, much to Carlo Cudicini's relief, zipped beyond an upright.

In the 14th minute Cudicini was forced to dive to his left to save a 20-yard drive from Daniel Jensen and seconds later Almeida wasted a clear chance by firing wide with just the Chelsea goalkeeper to beat.

Bremen's spell of pressure eventually paid off in fine style in the 27th minute when a corner from Torsten Frings was met by the head of the unmarked Mertesacker on the edge of the six-yard box.

Chelsea should have levelled in the 32nd minute when a superb move ended with Tim Wiese denying Ballack.

Mikel began the move by setting Ashley Cole free on the left-flank and the England international's subsequent pass into the feet of Drogba was despatched to Joe Cole on the left-wing with sublime accuracy by the Ivory Coast striker.

Cole, making only his third start of the season, crossed perfectly for Ballack but the German international found Wiese equal to the task.

Four minutes before the break Chelsea conjured another quick counter-attack which should have restored parity.

Ballack set Mikel free and the Nigerian teenager was mature enough wait for the run of Joe Cole into the inside-left channel.

The England midfielder produced a superb piece of trickery to bamboozle marker Pierre Wome but his finish, a tame sidefooted shot, was comfortably held by Wiese.

Chelsea thought they should have had a penalty in the 47th minute when Ashley Cole was bundled over in the area but referee Michel Lubos waved away their appeals.

A minute later a careless foul by Khalid Boulahrouz on Miroslav Klose was almost punished by Frings who brought a fine save from Cudicini when his free-kick threatened to sneak in at the near post.

In the 57th minute Mourinho made a double substitution, replacing Mikel with Arjen Robben and Drogba with Andriy Shevchenko.

Drogba was helped to the dressing room after appearing to fall awkwardly on his right knee.

Chelsea were given a chance to find a way back into the game in the 68th minute when Tim Borowski handled the ball 25 yards out.

But before the free-kick could be taken Ballack was helped from the field with an ankle problem.

When the game resumed Chelsea were unlucky not to equalise with Shevchenko's effort bringing another fine save from the impressive Wiese.

In the 78th minute Terry was booked for dissent which rules him out of their clash with Levski Sofia at Stamford Bridge.