Chelsea's Didier Drogba, left, slides the ball under Valencia's goalkeeper Diego Alves. Photo / AP
Didier Drogba scored two goals and set up another for Chelsea to qualify for the knockout phase of the Champions League today as Group E winners by beating Valencia 3-0 at Stamford Bridge.
The Ivory Coast striker struck in the third minute, played in Brazil midfielder Ramires for the second in the 22nd and wrapped up victory 14 minutes from the end to demote the Spanish team from the competition into the Europa League.
Needing a victory or a scoring draw to progress at Chelsea's expense, two-time finalist Valencia was allowed to dominate possession but was stifled by the hosts' packed defense.
Chelsea advanced to the last 16 for the ninth straight year.
Meanwhile Olympiakos beat Arsenal 3-1 but missed out on making the knockout round.
First-half goals from Rafik Djebbour and David Fuster gave Olympiakos a comfortable halftime lead. Yossi Benayoun pulled a goal back in the 57th minute as the hosts tired in the second half, and Francois Modesto clinched it with the third in the final minute.
- AP
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