Last update - 00:00 04/10/2007
Chelsea best Valencia in Grant's first Champions League match
By Haaretz Service and The Associated Press
Israel coach Avram Grant's first Champions League win as Chelsea boss probably won over a few fans as well. The English team, playing in a European match for the first time since Mourinho left last month, defeated Valencia 2-1 on Wednesday in Group B of the Champions League.
Since Grant took over from the team's previous manager Jose Mourinho, Chelsea had won just one game, beating Hull City 4-0 in a Carling Cup third round encounter.
"We believe in our qualities. We just need to play organized, try to play good football," Grant said after the Valencia game. "I'm very happy for the result, but more for the way of the result."
Didier Drogba scored the winning goal for Chelsea in the 71st minute, shrugging off a defender to get to Joe Cole's pass at the edge of the area and sending a shot over goalkeeper Timo Hildebrand.
"I think the Chelsea fans today will be very happy," Grant said. "It was one of our best games."
"We haven't been performing as well as we'd have liked, but we had a great team spirit tonight," Chelsea defender John Terry said. "We hope it's the kick start we need after we've had a few iffy performances."
Terry, who had surgery to repair a fractured cheekbone on Sunday, returned wearing a protective face mask and played the entire match. "For me it was an easy decision," he said.
"When you see John Terry you see a player who plays with all of his heart," said Grant. "A big player has to be a good example and I don't think you could be a better example than this."
Chelsea now has four points in Group B, while Valencia stays with three. David Villa gave Valencia the lead after spinning around Terry and beating goalkeeper Petr Cech to the loose ball in the ninth. Cole equalized in the 21st by knocking in a cross from Florent Malouda with Emiliano Moretti also challenging for the ball.