Chelsea passed another tough test in Europe after claiming a valuable away draw in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final tie against Eintracht Frankfurt.
Luka Jovic gave the Bundesliga side the lead at a rocking Commerzbank-Arena but the Blues recovered from that setback impressively, wiping out that lead through Pedro’s goal on the stroke of half-time.
The Blues were unable to add another despite enjoying the better of the second-half chances but will return to Stamford Bridge confident of booking their place in May’s final in next week’s return leg.
Maurizio Sarri elected to leave Eden Hazard on the bench for Thursday’s crucial tie – a decision that came under further scrutiny when the Blues fell behind.
Jovic, one of Europe’s most sought-after young forwards, enhanced his burgeoning reputation with a superb header after 23 minutes to give the hosts the lead.
Left unmarked in the Chelsea box, the 21-year-old stooped low to meet Filip Kostic’s cross, sending a superb glancing header across the face of goal and inside the far post out of Kepa’s reach.
The home side were made to withstand some intense pressure as the half wore on however with Pedro eventually cancelling out their opener, drilling a precise effort through a crowd of players and past Kevin Trapp after Frankfurt failed to clear a corner.
With Chelsea in control in the early stages of the second-half, Hazard was introduced as the Blues chased a second.
David Luiz was denied when his superb free kick struck the cross bar while Ruben Loftus-Cheek spurned opportunities to add to his tally in Europe this season.
David Abraham headed over from close range late on for the hosts who will have to produce something remarkable in west London next week to continue their own Europa League journey.
