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Tuesday February 25 2014
Ancelotti picks Madrid squad for Schalke
By Football Espana staff
Carlo Ancelotti has named his 22-man squad for Real Madrid’s Champions League clash with Schalke.
Los Blancos travel to Gelsenkirchen for the Last 16 first leg on Wednesday, and they do so with Cristiano Ronaldo, who returns from suspension.
The Portugal international has missed the last three games following his red card against Athletic Bilbao. But the Ballon d’Or winner is back for the game with the Bundesliga outfit.
Luka Modric also returns after his suspesion for the match with Elche at the weekend, whilst Sergio Ramos returns from his rest.
Van Persie: My Manchester United team-mates make it difficult for me
Feb 25, 2014 11:20:00 PM
The Dutch striker admits he has been forced to adapt his own style to suit his team-mates but refuses to blame David Moyes after the club's 2-0 defeat to Olympiakos
Robin van Persie believes his Manchester United team-mates are making it "more difficult" for him to find space and admits he has been forced to adjust at the expense of his own game.
United are in danger of being dumped out of the Champions League following their 2-0 defeat to Olympiakos on Tuesday evening.
And Van Persie, who squandered a gilt-edged chance to pull a goal back for David Moyes’ side late in the second half, admits he is struggling in his role under the Scot.
"Sometimes I try to find ways to do more but in the areas I wanted to play, my team-mates were often there. This makes it difficult for me,” Van Persie told NOS.
"Then I have to change my tactics to suit my team-mates, and play outside my zone. It's a pity.
"We played too slow and could therefore create little.
"I rushed that shot. That's a shame because I don't get a lot of chances so when you get one, you have to score."
But despite his admission, Van Persie refuses to blame Moyes for United's poor performances this season.
"He's working hard at it, and so are we. Sometimes we play well, but not all the time. We don't have luck on our side.
"It's easy to point the finger at someone, but I'm not like that. We have to do better."
Spalletti frustrated with 'naive' Zenit after Dortmund defeat
Feb 25, 2014 9:22:00 PM
The Russians' Italian coach admitted that his side paid a "heavy price" for a succession of "simple mistakes" during their first-leg clash
Luciano Spalletti slammed his side's lack of concentration as Zenit fell to a 4-2 defeat against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Tuesday.
The Italian head coach saw the Russian Premier League leaders recover from the shock of conceding two early goals by halving the deficit 12 minutes into the second half.
However, just four minutes after Oleg Shatov had scored, Zenit allowed Robert Lewandowski to restore Dortmund's two-goal advantage, and when Hulk converted a penalty in the 69th minute they again switched off, allowing the Polish striker to grab his second within two minutes.
The defeat leaves Zenit with a mountain to climb in the second leg in Germany and Spalletti acknowledged that lapses in concentration may have already cost them a chance of progressing to the last eight.
"What bothers me the most - it's the moments in which we make naive and simple mistakes," he said. "Unfortunately, with our team, it happens. In some episodes we lose concentration.
"I believe that in our game, there are moments when we lose a high level of concentration and allow unforced errors, but at this level you pay a heavy price."
Although they face a daunting task in Dortmund on March 19, Spalletti insisted that they could still prevail.
"We go there to play with the hope of further output," the Italian added. "In football, as in any other sport game, there is always the opportunity to turn around even the most difficult result.
"It all depends on what you're willing to give in order to achieve results.
"From the perspective of skill, strength, willingness to work, desire to run, the volume of this work.
"Everything is possible. Everything depends on you."
Olympiakos boss Michel: Two-goal lead will not be enough against Manchester United
By Joe Wright
Feb 26, 2014 12:04:00 AM
The Greek champions sealed a memorable win against an abject Red Devils side on Tuesday but their coach insists his side must fight to "make history" at Old Trafford
Olympiakos boss Michel has warned that a 2-0 first-leg lead will "not enough" for his team to ensure a Champions League quarter-final place at the expense of Manchester United.
The Greek champions secured a fully deserved win in Athens on Tuesday thanks to goals from Alejandro Dominguez and Joel Campbell to put them in full control of their last-16 tie against the reigning Premier League titleholders.
Michel admits that the win was a momentous moment for both Olympiakos and Greek football as a whole, but insists his side must approach the second leg with the same sense of adventure in order to progress to the quarters.
"To beat a great side like United in the manner we beat them is very special. I can't hide my joy. I feel proud of my players. It was a great moment for us," he told Uefa.com after the match.
"But we must look ahead to the second leg. We still have the match at Old Trafford. We expect a different United at Old Trafford, we have huge respect for them.
"Anyone who thinks 2-0 is enough to qualify is mistaken: 2-0 is not enough to get through against United at Old Trafford. We have to keep on working to make it through and make history.
"Our team is becoming more and more of a team as time goes on. We were preparing for this game for a long time in silence.
"We picked the best moment to show that Greek football is alive and kicking. And that Olympiakos can take on great sides like United.
"[Wayne] Rooney and [Robin] van Persie are great players and we are glad we beat them today. But the second leg is still to come."
The Dutchman is confident of upsetting the odds against his former side but says he is not harbouring any thoughts of revenge against the Spanish outfit
Klaas-Jan Huntelaar is confident that his Schalke side can stun Real Madrid if they perform to the best of their capabilities on Wednesday.
The Spanish giants are overwhelming favourites to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League but the Dutch striker feels the Gelsenkirchen outfit, unbeaten in 2014, can defy the odds.
Tweet Fernando Hierro!
Send your questions to former Real Madrid defender Fernando Hierro via @Heineken using #sharethesofa on Wednesday evening
"We will all need to have a good day," he told reporters at a press conference.
"If we are all at 100 per cent then we can make Madrid suffer."
Huntelaar went on to insist that he is not harbouring thoughts of revenge against Madrid, who sold him back in 2009 after just six months in La Liga.
"I want to be at my best in every game and tomorrow’s meeting with Real Madrid will be no different," he continued.
"We're still alive in the competition and now we're at the knockout stage. It's a huge game against a brilliant team. We're lucky that the first leg is at home.
"After that, we'll see what happens in Madrid. I really enjoyed my time there. The training complex is amazing, and the stadium too and the people at the club are great but now, my life is focused on Schalke."
Chelsea are '80 percent' favourites, says Galatasaray boss Mancini
Feb 25, 2014 9:13:00 PM
The Cimbom coach says Jose Mourinho's men are likely to progress to the quarter-finals at the Turkish side's expense, yet did not rule out a shock in Istanbul
Roberto Mancini has suggested that Chelsea have an "80 percent" chance of eliminating his Galatasaray side from the Champions League.
The Turkish champions play host to the Premier League leaders on Wednesday in the first leg of their last-16 clash, and former Manchester City boss Mancini is fully aware of the threat posed by Jose Mournho's men.
The Italian coach feels the Turkish giants must focus on at least giving themselves a chance ahead of next month's return meeting at Stamford Bridge, but admits that the Europa League holders are undoubtedly favourites.
"Everyone knows Chelsea are one of the best teams in Europe," Mancini said. "They won [the] Europa League last year and [the] Champions League two years ago. They are used to playing these games every year and we know it will be difficult.
"I think Chelsea are top of the Premier League because they are a top team, with good players who can change the game at any moment. I think they are 80% [likely] to go through in this game.
"It's important we play well in this match because we want to play the return leg in London with some chance."
Much has been made of the tie reuniting striker Didier Drogba with his former club, whom he led to Champions League glory with the winning penalty against Bayern Munich in his final Blues appearance in 2012.
Yet Galatasaray midfielder Wesley Sneijder will also be coming up against a familiar opponent, having won the Champions League under current Chelsea boss Mourinho during the duo's time together at Inter.
"Well, what can I say about him? We won this cup together," the Dutchman told Uefa's official club website.
"Of course we are friends outside the pitch but tomorrow [Wednesday] for 90 minutes we will not be friends. I respect him a lot as we all respect him and respect Chelsea. We want to go for the victory but with respect.
"Of course I have some special feelings with Mourinho because we won the treble and had a great year together.
"It's going to be a tough game but we have prepared well and we will see what happens - we feel really confident.
Mourinho: Mancini left me with five-a-side team at Inter
By Stephen Darwin
Feb 26, 2014 8:53:00 AM
The Chelsea boss has hit back at the Italian coach after claims that the Portuguese won the Champions League with a team that had already been prepared by the now-Galatasaray boss
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has hit back at Roberto Mancini over claims he walked into a winning team at Inter by insisting the Galatasaray coach left him with a five-a-side team.
Mancini, who was in charge of Inter for four years until Mourinho replaced him in 2008, had insisted that the Portuguese won the Champions League because he took control of a "good team" that the 49-year-old had built during four years with the Italian club.
Although ahead of Wednesday's Champions League last 16 clash between Chelsea and Galatasaray, the Blues boss hit back at the former Manchester City manager, claiming that he left him with no more than a five-a-side team at San Siro.
He said: "It's funny because my team in the [Champions League] final had Lucio, [Thiago] Motta, [Diego] Milito, [Samuel] Eto'o, [Goran] Pandev and [Wesley] Sneijder.
"From 11 players, he didn't work with six of them. So he made a five-a-side team because I played with only five players from his team."
Chelsea head to the Turk Telekom Arena on Wednesday night looking to secure their eighth win in the competition this season ahead of the second leg of the tie on March 18.
Madrid-Schalke is more than Ronaldo vs Huntelaar, insists Ancelotti
By Joe Wright
Feb 25, 2014 8:33:00 PM
The Italian coach has told his side they cannot afford to focus on their former striker alone, but warned the Portugal star is fired up following his domestic suspension
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti insists Wednesday's Champions League encounter with Schalke is more than just a battle between star forwards Cristiano Ronaldo and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.
Former Blancos forward Huntelaar is set to make his first appearance in this season's competition in the last-16, first-leg tie in Gelsenkirchen, while Ronaldo is also set to start after sitting out last weekend's Primera Division meeting with Elche, the final game of his three-match ban in La Liga.
While the pre-match focus has been primarily on the duel between the attacking duo, Ancelotti has warned his side against focusing solely on nullifying Huntelaar.
"Ronaldo is especially motivated because he wants to play. He wasn't happy with the sanction. He has trained very well during this time," Ancelotti told a press conference.
"Ronaldo's condition is optimal for tomorrow [Wednesday].
"I don't think it's an individual duel between Ronaldo and Huntelaar. Huntelaar is a very good striker, a very good player across the attack, we have to be careful with him. But the match is between Madrid and Schalke.
"Schalke have a very well-organised defence, with very good young players like [Max] Meyer and [Julian] Draxler and others with experience like Huntelaar and [Kevin-Prince] Boateng.
"They play concrete football, not spectacular, but solid, with good organisation. They play very well together, they have quality.
"It will be a game with a lot of intensity. Schalke will try to do everything to win, that's clear. We will have to give everything."
Ancelotti, who confirmed Gareth Bale is also set to start the match, admitted he is eager for his side to find the missing ingredient in their Champions League endeavours, after being knocked out at the semi-final stage for three consecutive seasons.
"Nothing changes," the Italian argued. "I'm here to do my very best in all competitions. Everyone knows the Champions League is the most important competition in the world.
"Reaching the semi-finals three times is special, the work was good, but we missed something, I don't know what."
'Anything is possible' if Chelsea reach Champions League quarter-finals - Mourinho
By Christopher Devine
Feb 25, 2014 4:37:00 PM
The Portuguese believes that a place in the last eight is enough to give any side a realistic chance of European glory and targets victory over Galatasaray in an "important" tie
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho believes that "anything is possible" for teams who reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
The Blues are in Turkey ahead of the first leg of their round-of-16 tie with Galatasaray, which takes place on Wednesday.
While Mourinho, who has persistently played down Chelsea's chances of winning the Premier League title, claims that his club should not be considered one of the favourites for European glory, he is aware that the most fancied teams do not always prevail.
"I think, when a team reaches a quarter-final, anything is possible so this round is a very important round for every team," the Portuguese told the press.
"Chelsea won it [in 2012] when it was not the favourite; I won it twice [with Porto and Inter] when I was not the favourite; I didn't win it when my team [Real Madrid] was one of the favourites so this competition, because of the knockout, has space for a surprise."
Mourinho faced Galatasaray in last season's Champions League, leading Madrid to a 5-3 aggregate triumph at the last-eight stage, but he argues that the Turkish giants are stronger now than they were then.
He remarked: "If last season was very difficult for Real Madrid, I think this season for Chelsea is not going to be different. They were a good team last season and they have almost exactly the same team but have strengthened with a few extra players.
"We are going to play to win but we know that they are strong and their attacking players are special players."
It's always difficult for Madrid to play in Germany, says Hierro
By Myfanwy Garman
Feb 25, 2014 4:25:00 PM
Real Madrid have a terrible record playing in Germany, but the former Blancos defender believes Carlo Ancelotti's men can end their unenviable run this time around
EXCLUSIVE
By Alberto Pinero
Fernando Hierro has warned his former club Real Madrid that German teams always prove difficult opposition and it will not be any different against Schalke on Wednesday.
Madrid have found trips to Germany notoriously difficult with only win in their last 25 attempts, while it was the scene of their nadir last season as they suffered a 4-1 defeat to Borussia Dortmund courtesy of four goals from Robert Lewandowski.
And the 45-year-old, who spent 14 years at the Santiago Bernabeu, making over 435 appearances for the Liga giants, has warned of the perils of underestimating Schalke in their last-16 Champions League tie.
"The key is the competitive nature of German football. German teams never try to leave the door open. They are very demanding, always playing up until the last moment," he told Goal.
“It is always difficult to play in Germany."
Although their track record might suggest different, Hierro is confident that Madrid can ease past Jens Keller's men, especially as the Blancos have recently hit their best form and are top of the Primera Division for the first time since 2012.
"You never know what will happen, and as Schalke have reached the second round of Champions League, they’re rivals to the best teams in Europe," he continued.
“But Real Madrid are in fantastic form and I think they have a lot of confidence and this is a great time to eliminate Schalke 04 from the Champions League.”
Published: Tuesday 25 February 2014, 19.40CET
Jens Keller says Real Madrid CF are the second-best team in the world but in Germany they will come up against the weight of history and a FC Schalke 04 side in fine fettle.
by Harry Jurkschat
from Gelsenkirchen
Jens Keller says Real Madrid CF are the second-best team in the world but he believes FC Schalke 04 can "pull off a little miracle" if they are at their peak. The Bundesliga club have not been far off that in recent weeks, going eight games unbeaten and conceding just twice in that sequence. Madrid are hardly struggling either, recording victories in 15 of their last 16 outings (they drew the other), and Carlo Ancelotti warns that Cristiano Ronaldo has extra motivation.
Schalke
Jens Keller, Schalke coach
After Bayern, Real Madrid are maybe the second-best team in the world at the moment. They have extraordinary players in every position so it won't be an easy game. But we are the home team and must be brave; we will not hide. To be successful, everybody will have to be at 100%. Only then might it be possible to pull off a little miracle.
Real are on another level, financially, but as Dortmund proved by making it to the final last year, there is always a chance. Real Madrid have an incredible team but we're not bad either. We're in very good shape, as you can see from our recent results. But it is not just the results, but the manner in which we have achieved them.
Real are very strong at the back and play very aggressively. But our coaching staff will pinpoint some deficiencies and we will try to play on those. As you can see from the past few weeks, it can be quite hard to score against us. A clean sheet must be our aim.
• Schalke have won six and drawn two of their last eight matches, a run that has helped them climb to fourth in the Bundesliga, just two points behind second.
Team news
The Gelsenkirchen outfit have two significant boosts on the injury front, with captain Benedikt Höwedes and Julian Draxler both nearing fitness after thigh problems – Draxler made a substitute appearance against Mainz. Marco Höger (knee), Christian Clemens (pelvis), Atsuto Uchida (thigh) and Jan Kirchhoff (ligaments) are all sidelined.
Real Madrid
Carlo Ancelotti, Madrid coach
I predict an intense match and I think Schalke will give everything in going for the win. We know all about their qualities. They are very well-organised, especially at the back, and have a good balance between young talented players like Max Meyer and Julian Draxler, and players with a lot of experience like Klaas-Jan Huntelaar. They do not play spectacular football but they are solid and consistent.
I do not have to tell my players much – they want to win every competition. At the moment the team are in a good shape, but we have to prepare for every match very methodically so that our run continues.
Ronaldo is especially motivated because he is ready to play again [after a three-match domestic ban]. He is very well prepared and has the right balance. I expect him to be in top shape, mentally and physically.
Weekend result
Saturday: Real Madrid 3-0 Elche CF (Illarramendi 34, Bale 71, Isco 81)
Diego López; Carvajal, Pepe, Varane, Arbeloa; Illarramendi, Alonso (Casemiro 83), Di María; Bale, Benzema (Morata 82), Jesé (Isco 74).
• Asier Illarramendi scored his first Liga goal for Madrid, who are 26 games unbeaten – winning 22 – the longest run without defeat in Carlo Ancelotti's coaching career. They top the table for the first time since May 2012.
Team news
Sami Khedira has been laid off since tearing knee ligaments in Germany's 1-1 draw with Italy on 15 November. Ronaldo returns having served the third of a three-game top-flight ban. Luka Modrić was also suspended at the weekend.
Match fact
• Madrid have played 52 European games against ten different German sides but this will be their first-ever meeting with Schalke. They have won just once in 25 previous visits to Germany – something, Keller says, "we will try to continue".
Published: Tuesday 25 February 2014, 17.35CET
Reluctant to play up Chelsea FC's credentials – "four or five teams are ahead of us" – José Mourinho has a "strange feeling" about a reunion with Galatasaray AŞ's Didier Drogba.
by Türker Tozar
from Istanbul
Reunited with Didier Drogba – a player who served him so well during his first stint at Chelsea FC but gave him cause for alarm last season – José Mourinho has a "strange feeling" about Wednesday's UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg at Galatasaray AŞ. In the opposite dugout will be Roberto Mancini, Mourinho's predecessor at FC Internazionale Milano, who aims to achieve a result that "gives us hope" for the return in west London on 18 March.
Galatasaray
Roberto Mancini, Galatasaray coach
Chelsea are one of the best teams in Europe. They've won the Champions League before [in 2012] and are always in the competition, but we need to fight against them and make use of home advantage.
We'll be able to use more of our foreign players tomorrow. We may change the team a little. Wesley [Sneijder] will play, for example, but we are a good team regardless. We can play in any system, be it 4-4-2 or 3-5-2. The mentality and attitude [of the players] is important.
Chelsea are a young team, they are top of the Premier League. They have really good, fantastic players who can influence the outcome of a match. I believe Chelsea have an 80% chance of going through in this competition.
Didier Drogba was an important player for Chelsea. Sneijder won the Champions League with Mourinho and they have a nice relationship, but we need both Wesley and Didier to play well tomorrow. Then they can go out for dinner after the match!
Two teams with some really good players will meet tomorrow. Those players can decide this game – unfortunately, myself and Mourinho can't play. I don't know what the key will be for the match. It will be important to pay attention to some situations because Chelsea could score from any opportunity they get. We would like a result that gives us hope for the second leg in London.
Weekend result
Saturday: Galatasaray 1-0 Beşiktaş JK (Selçuk İnan 38pen)
Muslera; Semih, Ceyhun (Yekta 69), Hakan; Veysel, Felipe Melo, Selçuk, Sneijder (Gökhan 81), Alex Telles; Burak, Drogba.
• Galatasaray have lost only one of their last 19 games in all competitions and are 16 matches unbeaten at home (W13 D3). They have won just four of 17 away fixtures all season.
Team news
Aydın Yılmaz (ankle) and Gökhan Zan (hamstring) are both available again, while Aurélien Chedjou has sat out the last four fixtures with a right groin problem.
Chelsea
José Mourinho, Chelsea manager
I like to play against the best and Galatasaray are the Turkish champions. As for Drogba, we will have to do our job because we know he will want to do his, which is to score goals. It is a strange feeling to play him and we have to try to forget it.
Last season Galatasaray made it very difficult for me with Real Madrid and this year will be no different. They were a good team and they have almost exactly the same team, but have strengthened with a few extra players. They have a new left-back, right-back, holding midfielder – they also kept their attacking stars.
We are going to play to win, but we know they are strong and have special attacking players – even on the bench they have dangerous players like [Umut] Bulut. They have lots of goalscorers and we know they will attack us. We are trying to build a team for the future and we will play the way we always do, which is to try to win the game.""
"This round is very important – anything is possible when you get to the quarter-finals", even if you are not favourites. We are not favourites as there are four or five teams who are above us in terms of their players and their status. But Chelsea won it when they were not favourites and I have won it twice when I have not been a favourite.
Weekend result
Saturday: Chelsea 1-0 Everton FC (Terry 90+3)
Čech; Ivanović, Terry, Cahill, Azpilicueta; Matić, Lampard; Hazard, Oscar (Ramires 46), Willian (Torres 62); Eto'o (Schürrle 69).
• Five points behind leaders Arsenal FC ahead of matchday six, Chelsea are now a point above the Gunners at the top of the Premier League following a 12-match unbeaten run in the division.
Team news
David Luiz (thigh) and John Obi Mikel (unknown) missed out at the weekend, while Oscar was forced off with an ankle injury.
Match fact
• In their last meeting with a Turkish club, Chelsea lost 2-1 at Fenerbahçe SK in the 2007/08 quarter-finals – but won 2-0 at home to progress. They also played Beşiktaş JK in the 2003/04 group stage, succumbing 2-0 at Stamford Bridge but prevailing by the same scoreline in the away game, at the Arena AufSchalke in Gelsenkirchen, Germany.
Real Madrid's attacking stars aligned as they demolished Schalke 6-1 in Germany to all but secure a Champions League quarter-final place.
History did not provide much inspiration for the Spanish giants, who had won on only one of their last 25 visits to face German opposition in UEFA competition, but their forwards were in imperious form at the Veltins Arena to give them what, barring a minor miracle, will prove an unassailable advantage to take into the second leg.
Karim Benzema gave them the lead with an emphatic 13th-minute finish and although Julian Draxler and Max Meyer then missed in quick succession for the hosts, Real were in control.
A second arrived through Gareth Bale, with the world's most expensive player netting a delightful solo goal before Cristiano Ronaldo - back in the side after a domestic three-match ban - scored his 10th Champions League goal of the season.
Benzema added his second of the day to make it 4-0 and then Bale scored again with just over 20 minutes remaining.
There was even still time for more late drama as Ronaldo scored his second of the night and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar gave the Germans what was scant consolation.
Schalke coach Jens Keller had spoken in the build-up about the Germans' need to be "brave" against a side he ranks as arguably the second best in the world - behind Schalke's Bundesliga rivals Bayern Munich - but there was little his side could do about Real's opener.
Ronaldo's attempted backheeled pass was deflected into the area for Benzema and the Frenchman coolly slotted past Ralf Fahrmann to give the visitors a perfect start.
Schalke should have levelled a minute later, however.
Draxler darted in behind the Real defence to direct Jefferson Farfan’s right-wing cross past Casillas, but the Spaniard launched himself across goal to palm it away, before Meyer blazed the rebound over.
Real made the most of that let-off and doubled their lead 21 minutes in, with Bale showing his class.
After cutting in from the right, the Welshman cleverly slalomed his way between Felipe Santana and Sead Kolasinac before squeezing a shot into the bottom-right corner, capping a wonderful solo run.
Ronaldo almost made it 3-0 just after the half-hour mark, but after jolting past Kolasinac and shooting from 20 yards, his low drive came back off Fahrmann’s right-hand post.
Ronaldo finally got a deserved goal in the 52nd minute and he netted in style as the Ballon d'Or winner dazzled Joel Matip with three stepovers before charging into the area and rifling in a left-footed effort.
A fourth arrived just five minutes later as Benzema doubled his tally for the match, passing into an empty net after playing a one-two with Ronaldo and bursting around Fahrmann, but things soon got even worse for the hosts.
With 21 minutes remaining, Bale raced on to an intricate throughball from Sergio Ramos and confidently caressed the ball past the goalkeeper with his left foot.
The visitors added a sixth for good measure as Ronaldo latched on to Benzema's pass, skipped past Fahrmann and passed home.
There was still time for Schalke to get a consolation as Huntelaar fired in a superb volleyed effort from the edge of the area, but Real had already long since killed off the tie.
Fernando Torres reminded Jose Mourinho of his goalscoring abilities as Chelsea were held to a 1-1 UEFA Champions League draw by Galatasaray.
After a week in which Chelsea boss Mourinho was captured on camera lamenting his striking options in what he thought was a private conversation, the visitors displayed some of their flair and vigour to score what could prove to be a priceless away goal in Istanbul.
They made an ideal start to their last-16 clash, silencing the vociferous home crowd by taking the lead through Torres' simple ninth-minute finish.
Making his first start since January 11, the Spaniard scored a sixth goal from his last five starts in the competition, but Chelsea failed to maintain their momentum from there as Gala coach Roberto Mancini altered his side's tactics and personnel.
As Chelsea's threat dwindled, Aurelien Chedjou netted a second-half equaliser - with Mancini showcasing his managerial acumen against old foe Mourinho to maintain the Turks' hopes of progression.
Having dominated much of the pre-match build-up, Chelsea legend Didier Drogba was involved in Galatasaray's first threat, slipping in Burak Yilmaz who failed to connect properly with his effort.
Willian then went close for Chelsea, almost taking advantage of a woeful Fernando Muslera kick to open the scoring.
However, the Gala goalkeeper managed to get his head to the shot and divert it wide in what was an unwelcome scare for the hosts.
But, in a timely reminder to Mourinho of his abilities, Torres showed his class after nine minutes by calmly stroking home from close range.
Appropriately, Mourinho had also said in midweek that "a team with 11 (Cesar) Azpilicuetas would probably win the competition", and it was the Spaniard who surged down the left wing before cutting back for Torres to finish.
In what was an open first half hour, both sides threatened in spells but it was the visitors who caused more problems on the break, with the energetic trio of Willian, Eden Hazard and Andre Schurrle looking lively in particular.
The latter's cutback was put over the crossbar by Ramires after 27 minutes before Petr Cech was called on to smother Izet Hajrovic's effort soon afterwards.
As the home side enjoyed their best spell of the half, Yilmaz then had the ball in the net but saw his effort ruled out due to the presence of two balls on the pitch after a break in play.
Mancini made his second change of the game at half-time, bringing Semih Kaya on in place of Hakan Balta, presumably in an attempt to limit Chelsea's fluid counter-attacks.
It appeared to work as Gala began the half brightly, although Selcuk Inan contrived to prod Wesley Sneijder's delivery against the post with the goal at his mercy before Chedjou finally did level for the Turkish side.
With neither John Terry nor Cech dealing with Sneijder's corner, defender Chedjou stole in to nudge home an equaliser unmarked from inside the six-yard box.
The hosts pressed for a winner in the latter stages but were unable to find a second goal - with Chelsea perhaps grateful in the end to leave the Turk Telekom Arena on level terms at the halfway point in the tie.
Roberto Mancini felt Galatasaray deserved an advantage heading into the second leg of their UEFA Champions League last-16 tie with Chelsea.
After solid early pressure from Chelsea was rewarded with a ninth-minute opener from Fernando Torres at the Turk Telekom Arena on Wednesday, Gala controlled the game for long spells.
Mancini reshuffled his pack to tactically stifle the Londoners and the hosts gained their reward through Aurelien Chedjou's equaliser just after the hour.
The 1-1 draw means that the tie is still finely balanced heading into the return at Stamford Bridge on March 18, with an away goal giving the Premier League side a slight edge.
But Mancini felt that his side could have been heading to London in a more comfortable position.
Asked by Sky Sports whether he was disappointed to be coming away on level terms, the Italian said: "Yes, because (in the) second half we probably deserved to score another goal.
"(We gained) a lot of confidence from the second half, but we had too much respect for Chelsea.
"Maybe we were too deep (in the first half), we played with fear but I'm happy.
"One-one is a good result, we have another game."
Striker Didier Drogba, an idol at Chelsea following his eight-year spell at Stamford Bridge, insisted that Gala had proved how dangerous they could be with their second-half performance.
"Chelsea is a better team on paper but tonight we showed we could create some problems," he said.
"I want to go there (Stamford Bridge) and make a good result and qualify. I know the atmosphere at Stamford Bridge but it's possible.
"We were a bit naive at times but we have time to work and solve these problems.
"If we score a goal there, it's a different game - 1-1 is not a bad result for us."
Felipe Santana admits Schalke were handed "a lesson in football" by Real Madrid on Wednesday, but insists his team will bounce back.
Schalke's hopes of progressing from the UEFA Champions League round of 16 were effectively ended as Real stormed to a 6-1 first-leg win in Gelsenkirchen, with Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo each scoring twice.
While acknowledging the severity of the defeat, Brazilian centre-back Santana expressed confidence that the Bundesliga outfit will produce a stronger performance when the tie concludes at the Bernabeu on March 18.
In quotes reported by UEFA.com, Santana said: "We knew how difficult this match would be and that you can't afford to make any mistakes against Real Madrid. We gave them too much room and if you give players of that quality a millimetre, chances are you'll be punished.
"It's the knockout stage of the Champions League now and you have to concentrate and take your chances when they come. We didn't do that and Real did – quite simple.
"You always have to learn from these games, but we really were taught a lesson in football.
"Now we have to work hard to correct the things we did wrong and I'm confident we'll put in a better performance next time."
A daunting away game at German and European champions Bayern Munich awaits Schalke on their return to Bundesliga action this weekend.
Jose Mourinho chose to keep his own counsel on his strikers after the 1-1 UEFA Champions League draw with Galatasaray.
The Chelsea boss was caught on camera offering a critical apprasial of his current striking options during the week in what he believed was a private conversation - an incident that generated plenty of headlines in the build-up to Wednesday's last-16 first-leg clash in Istanbul.
He saw Fernando Torres open the scoring at the Turk Telecom Arena in his first start since January 11 before the visitors' attacking momentum was halted following a tactical switch from Galatasaray coach Roberto Mancini after the break.
Torres' fellow forward Samuel Eto'o struggled to make an impact from the bench, with Gala levelling through Aurelien Chedjou after 64 minutes.
But despite seeing Chelsea stifled well by Galatasaray for much of the game after their opener, Mourinho was satisfied with their efforts as they claimed an away goal to take into the second leg at Stamford Bridge.
"We were playing not just against a big club but a big club with big players," Mourinho told Sky Sports.
"The first half we had chances to kill game, I am not criticising our strikers but they had chances to do the second goal, and that would have changed the game.
"I think my two more dangerous players, Fernando (Torres) and (Andre) Schurrle were both in trouble in the second half but we were comfortable, until we conceded at the corner.
"I can't complain... the performance of the players in a difficult place to play was amazing.
"I just ask (the Chelsea fans) for 10 per cent of what this stadium gave Galatasaray when we play in three weeks."
Midfielder Frank Lampard also paid tribute to the Gala fans and expressed his belief that former Stamford Bridge striker Didier Drogba will again prove to be a threat in the return leg on March 18.
"I thought we played very well in the first half, we controlled it," he said.
"When it's 1-0, with the atmosphere, you know they can always get a bit of an up.
"Fair play to their fans, they were amazing.
"You expect them to have a period and they had a big period in the second half. It's one of those results, we're kind of happy with it but we've got work to do.
"We know what (Drogba's) like, it was a great battle between him and John (Terry) and Gary (Cahill). We'll have to watch him back at (Stamford) Bridge."
Chelsea have confirmed there were two "incidents" involving fans in Istanbul ahead of their UEFA Champions League tie with Galatasaray.
Reports suggesting two Chelsea fans had been attacked in the Turkish capital surfaced on Tuesday, and the Premier League club announced on its official Twitter account that they know of the issue.
"The club is aware of two incidents involving fans in Istanbul last night (Tuesday) and is working with relevant agencies to best ensure safety of all," the post read.
"CFC fans in Istanbul are reminded it's not safe to use Metro to and from the stadium today. Special bus is recommended."
Chelsea also reminded fans to continue checking the club's account for any updates in the build-up to the game.
The last-16 first-leg clash at the Turk Telekom Arena will see Jose Mourinho's side come up against club legend Didier Drogba, who scored the winning penalty in Chelsea's victory over Bayern Munich in the 2012 Champions League final.
The striker admits his side were "naive" at times in Wednesday's encounter but both the Ivorian and Wesley Sneijder believe the tie is far from over
Didier Drogba has stressed he would have loved to score in Galatasaray's 1-1 draw with Chelsea on Wednesday, but insists the result was a good one.
Fernando Torres opened the scoring for the Blues before Aurelien Chedjou equalised in the second half as the spoils were shared in the first leg of the Champions League last-16 encounter.
Drogba admits it was "special" to face his old Chelsea team-mates and believes Roberto Mancini's side are fully capable of achieving a positive result in the return leg at Stamford Bridge.
"It was a special game to play against my team-mates," he told Sky Sports. "It was a great game, a good result, Chelsea are a better team on paper but we showed we can cause them problems.
"We will now go to Stamford Bridge and hope to get a result.
"I had to keep my emotions to one side, it was like an old day training at Cobham against your team-mates. I wish I had scored but there's another game to come so we'll see.
"It will be difficult going to Chelsea but it's possible to qualify. They are good on the counterattack and we were naive, but 1-1 is not a bad result for us."
Wesley Sneijder, who set up Galatasaray's equaliser, conceded he did not see as much of the ball as he wanted in his position on the left of attack but is confident he can impose himself further in the return leg in March.
"In the first half, everything went over the right flank. During half-time I said we had to play more on the left and so we did," he told NOS.
"My position on the left side is nice when you get the ball a lot, but tonight it wasn't. In that case I have to work more for my team, but this is the second round of the Champions League so you always have to work hard. Especially when you face Chelsea.
"I think the result was deserved. In the return leg I hope I can get the ball a lot more. I feel that I'm in great shape, but my role in the team is a bit different. I have to sacrifice myself for the team. When we lose the ball I have to return to my position, but I think that's going very well."
