Graham Potter's Chelsea debut ended in a draw with Noah Okafor equalising for Red Bull Salzburg after Raheem Sterling had given the Blues the opener.
Chelsea’s new manager made three changes to that team that lost to Dinamo Zagreb last week in what turned out to be Thomas Tuchel’s final game. Former Brighton player Marc Cucurella returned to the starting lineup with Thiago Silva and Jorginho also starting.
The home side were far better in the first half, which included a 21st-minute show of appreciation for Tuchel when Stamford Bridge clapped in support of the departed manager. Yet Potter’s team couldn’t create any outstanding chances.
Chelsea did improve after the break and managed to get the first goal of the game when Mason Mount fired a low cross that Bernardo Júnior failed to clear. Raheem Sterling, who played more a wing back role, was the beneficiary with the England forward curling his effort past Philipp Kohn.
Salzburg pulled one back against the run of play when Chelsea were caught high up the pitch. Chukwubuike Adamu broke free down the right and pulled the ball back for Noah Okafor to score via a deflection off César Azpilicueta.
The Blues had several chances to win the game, with Armando Broja spurning an effort deep into stoppage time that would have sealed all three points for Chelsea.
Speaking after the match, Potter said: "It has not been easy for the boys, they have responded to us really well over the last few days and it's a point we will have to take and get better. The attitude has been fantastic, no complaints apart from the fact we have not taken three points."
xG: Chelsea (1.54) 1-1 (0.38) Red Bull Salzburg
Only two English players have scored 25+ goals in the European Cup / Champions League...
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) September 14, 2022
Wayne Rooney 🤝 Raheem Sterling#UCL pic.twitter.com/YezHYazR43
1-1 | ||
Raheem Sterling 48' | Noah Okafor 75' |