Chelsea fall to defeat at Porto as Maicon heads home winner

Chelsea suffered yet another defeat as Jose Mourinho’s return to FC Porto ended in a 2-1 loss.

Cesc Fabregas almost opened the scoring in the sixth minute, but his powerful drive was beaten round the post by Iker Casillas — who was making a record-breaking 152nd appearance in the Champions League.

Then it was Pedro’s turn to go close, Casillas saving from the Spaniard as he broke through on goal.

But Porto took the lead in the 39th minute. Goalkeeper Asmir Begovic had made a stunning save from Yacine Brahimi, but the lose ball fell to Andre Andre who made no mistake in firing into an empty net.

Chelsea levelled with the last kick off the half through another Willian free kick — though this time he meant it. The Brazilian curled a fine effort into the top corner from the edge of the D and the referee blew for the interval as soon as it hit the net.

Porto retook the lead in the 52nd minute. The corner came in from the left and Maicon diverted the ball past Begovic with a clever header.

Moments after the restart Diego Costa came within inches of levelling, his fine effort from outside the area coming back off the underside of the bar.

Porto almost had a third when Giannelli Imbula’s effort was beaten away by Begovic in the 71st minute, and then the Chelsea keeper had to make another save from Brahimi.

The Portuguese side had further chances to add to their tally and were deserved winners.