Chelsea have the upper hand going into next week's Champions League semi-final tie at Camp Nou after beating Barcelona 1-0 in the first leg at Stamford Bridge tonight.

Reigning champions Barça were slim favourites going into the match, but Didier Drogba's strike on the stroke of half-time handed Chelsea an important victory ahead of next week's secong leg.

Barcelona dominated play, having 72% of the possession, but outstanding defensive work by Gary Cahill, Ashley Cole and captain John Terry kept the Catalan giants quiet. Messi, Fàbregas, Iniesta, Adriano and Busquets all had opportunities on goal, but were unable to get on the scoresheet.

Chelsea, on the other hand, took full advantage of the one clear chance they got. Barça got caught upfield and Frank Lampard's ball over the top sent Ramires shooting forward to launch a cross that picked out Drogba (pictured).  Victor Valdes should have saved the scuffed finish but could only help it into the net in first-half injury time.

Barça were even more dominant after the break, but a world-class defensive display by Cahill and Terry, who were almost single-handedly keeping Messi at bay, prevented the equaliser.

In the end, Chelsea's organisation and discipline was rewarded but interim manager Roberto di Matteo knows they will have to produce the same - and more besides - in the Nou Camp next week to set up a meeting with either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in the final in Munich next month.