Drogba thrilled with away goal

28 March 2012 16:27

Didier Drogba believes Chelsea's away goal in a 1-0 win over Benfica could prove crucial in securing Champions League progression.

Salomon Kalou's 75th-minute effort at Estadio da Luz means Chelsea will hold a narrow advantage in their Champions League quarter-final going into the second leg at Stamford Bridge next Wednesday.

Kalou's Ivory Coast international colleague Drogba, an unused substitute for Tuesday's match in Portugal, hailed the outcome against the Liga Sagres side, but still feels Chelsea must be wary going into the return fixture.

"It is a great result," the 34-year-old told L'Equipe.

"The most important thing is that we have scored that goal away from home.

"But we have a lot of respect for Benfica. We will take the return leg very seriously."

If Chelsea progess to the next stage of the competition they will face either holders Barcelona or Italian side AC Milan in the semi-finals.