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The third instalment of what is becoming one of modern football's most compelling subplots saw Chelsea steal bragging rights at Stamford Bridge as Didier Drogba's fine strike saw off Barcelona 1-0.

Chelsea were full value for their win and when Drogba's moment arrived a minute after half time the quality of his shot from the edge of the area was befitting of an occasion that housed a lexicon of world class talent.

Jose Mourinho will feel his side were unfortunate that they had just a solitary moment to cherish such were the number of clear cut chances they created, especially when allied to the fact his debutant goalkeeper Henrique Hilario was not unduly troubled all evening.

Talk pre-match had predicted that a more measured game would ensue given it was not a clash of previous knock-out proportions. Such talk proved well informed in the first period and made to look ridiculous in the second.

From the onset the action bristled with intent as old hostilities were revived, egos inflated and any pre kick-off pleasantries involving the return of former Chelsea favourite Eidur Gudjohnsen, rendered redundant.

The opening stages were consumed by a respectful sparring that was first interrupted by a surging run from John Terry on five minutes, which saw him race into enemy territory and sling in a clever crossfield pass which needed a desperate lunge from Carles Puyol to stop a team-mate from profiting.

As Chelsea pressed from the front with a high line, their visitors were content to sit and counter with the type of elusive panache that makes them a favourite with neutrals and purists alike.

Barca's first forward foray of any real consequence saw Deco's clipped pass find Gianluca Zambrotta in space but with uncharacteristic haste, the Italian missed his connection with an air shot.

Chelsea's response was impressive as Michael Essien stole possession in the middle of the field and powered forward before slipping in Drogba. The Ivorian prodded past Victor Valdes but Zambrotta was on hand to poke the ball off the line.

Andrei Shevchenko looked odds-on to dispatch the rebound, only for the hand dealt to him to prove a dud once more, as Rafael Marquez's wonderfully timed lunge left the Ukrainian to rue another chance unconverted.

He would not have to wait long for his next one, as Frank Lampard's resultant corner evaded a flapping Valdes but not the Ukrainian's head. The result was all too familiar as the ball was arched high over its designated target.

If Chelsea were comfortable at this stage, Barca were quick to undermine any such contentment when a sublime move that included a delightful Ronaldinho flick and an artful Deco pass ended with Xavi beating Claude Makelele with ease but not Hilario, who stood firm at his near post to repay his manager's faith.

As a half that flirted with the idea but never truly delivered in being first class drew to its close, Barca's diminutive genie Lionel Messi showed two tantalising glimpses of his ability with a pair of archetypal runs, which needed desperate tackles to end the danger.

After the interval it would take Chelsea just a minute to elevate proceedings as Drogba struck with a controlled power that is fast making him one of Europe's most feared strikers.

There seemed little danger when he received Ashley's Cole's cross from deep on the left with an ungainly first touch. Drogba's second, though, left Puyol flat footed as he dragged the ball from between his legs and then unleashed a rising drive that gave Valdes not a prayer.

Chelsea smelt blood and were it not for a criminal wastefulness in front of goal their strong running would have yielded more.

Shevchenko continues to cut the most forlorn of figures and he will be bitterly disappointed with a stabbed finish wide, that paid ill-service to excellent approach play from Drogba and then Lampard as Barca floundered.

Moments earlier and Essien had wasted a glorious opportunity when he elected to go solo when both Shevchenko and a marauding Ricardo Carvalho were in support, while Hilario's confidence was further boosted as he grasped Ronaldinho's free kick close to his chest.

With Lampard making a mockery of those that have suggested he is somewhat of a spent force and Essien omnipresent alongside him, Chelsea were galvanised and should have had a second midway through the half when the former's incisive pass found Drogba in Barca's penalty area.

Making space in cutting inside Marquez, the whites of the posts were in his sights but his finish was meek and Valdes was allowed to save once more.

Barca's attempts to find an equaliser were all too easily snuffed out by a Chelsea back-line marvellously marshalled by Terry, with the only real moment of consternation seeing Messi head over after ghosting in behind an otherwise imperious Carvalho.

Chelsea now head to Camp Nou in two weeks' time confident in the knowledge that if Barcelona are Europe's finest, this could well be their year to taste UEFA Champions League glory.

Teams

Chelsea  Hilario, Boulahrouz, Carvalho, A. Cole, Terry, Ballack, Essien, Lampard, Makelele, Drogba (Kalou 90), Shevchenko (Robben 77)
Subs Not Used  Bridge, J. Cole, Ferreira, Makaba-Makalamby, Geremi
Booked  Lampard
Goals  Drogba 46

Barcelona Valdes, Marquez, Puyol Renom 74), van Bronckhorst (Iniesta 56), Zambrotta, Deco, Edmilson, Xavi, Ronaldinho, Gudjohnsen (Ludovic 60), Messi
Subs Not Used Jorquera, Motta, Olequer, Saviola
Booked  van Bronckhorst, Xavi, Deco

Goals 

Attendance  40,599

Referee  Frank De Bleeckere (Belgium)