After a disappointing opener to their UEFA Champions League defense, Chelsea reasserted itself as the team to beat with a dominating 4-0 thrashing of FC Nordsjaelland.
Chelsea struggled in the early going until a Juan Mata goal in the 33rd minute broke a scoreless tie. The scored remained one zero for much of the remaining time as Nordsjaelland had few dangerous chances to tie it up. But in the final fifteen, Chelsea broke out for three more wins to secure its first win in group play of the 2012-13 Champions League.
David Luis scored in the 79th, Mata added his second in the 82nd and Ramires topped things off with a goal in the 89th.
Meanwhile Juventus, the top time in the Italian League, failed to find a victory in its second match with Shakhtar Donetsk as the two sides drew 1-1. The Ukranians actually scored first with an Alex Teixeira goal in the 23rd minute, but Leonardo Bonucci tied it up just two minutes later. Donetsk actually dominated possession and outplayed Juventus in their own stadium. The match certainly calls Juventus' potential into question and spotlights Donetsk as a potential candidate to get out of the group.
Group E Standings
Chelsea: 1 win, 1 draw, 4 points
Shakhtar Donetsk: 1 win, 1 draw, 4 points
Juventus: 2 draws, 2 points
Nordsjaelland: 2 losses, 0 points