John
Terry was relieved to see Chelsea emerge from Lisbon with a 1-0 win against
Sporting in UEFA Champions League Group G despite a host of missed chances.
A first-half header from midfielder Nemanja Matic was enough to seal victory
for Chelsea, who found Sporting goalkeeper Rui Patricio in inspired form.
Chelsea were held to a draw at home by Schalke in their opening game and
Terry said that result made the Premier League leaders all the more
determined to win in Lisbon.
"They're a good side but it's been about 10 years since they've been in the
Champions League so it was a big night for them,” the Chelsea captain said.
"We had so many chances, it was one of those nights where it just didn't go
but thankfully 'Mati' came up with a good header.
"We lost our first game last year and came back to win so that was in our
mind, that we had to win."
The match marked Terry’s 100th appearance in the Champions League, making
him the 22nd player to achieve the feat.
He said: "I'm very proud, there's not too many players to achieve that."
Goalscorer Matic has experience of playing in Portugal with Benfica and he
revealed he was delighted to find the net against his old rivals.
He said: "I scored against a big rival of Benfica!
"The most important thing is we won, it's not important who scores the goals
but I feel good because I scored."
Manchester United winger Nani, on loan at Sporting, felt the home side were
much improved after the break and were unlucky not to snatch a point.
He said: "The first half a few of our players were a bit nervous but in the
second half we gave a very good response.
"I think our team deserve congratulations for the performance in the second
half."
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