Wednesday 1 October 2014 08:11, UK
John Terry admitted his relief after Chelsea grabbed a tight 1-0 win away to Sporting Lisbon in UEFA Champions League Group G.
Nemanja Matic's first-half header was enough to seal a first win of the competition, after previously drawing at home to Schalke, but Sporting 'keeper Rui Patricio denied them a second with a string of brave interceptions.
"They're a good side but it's been about 10 years since they've been in the Champions League so it was a big night for them,” Blues skipper Terry told Sky Sports.
"We had so many chances, it was one of those nights where it just didn't go in, but thankfully 'Mati' came up with a good header.
"We lost our first game last year and came back to win the group - so that was in our minds; that we had to win."
Terry’s racked up his 100th appearance in the Champions League - the 22nd player to achieve the feat - and he producde another excellent performance to keep a well-earned clean sheet.
And he said: "I'm very proud, there's not too many players to achieve that.
Goalscorer Matic also produced another bullish display in midfield and he revealed his delight at scoring against his old rivals, having joined the Blues from Benfica last year.
He said: "I scored against a big rival of Benfica! But the most important thing is we won, it's not important who scores the goals but I feel good because I scored."
Manchester United winger Nani, on loan at Sporting, felt the home side were much improved after the break and were unlucky not to snatch a point.
"The first half a few of our players were a bit nervous but in the second half we gave a very good response," Nani said.
"I think our team deserve congratulations for the performance in the second half."
