Barcelona's goalkeeper Victor Valdes (centre) watches as the ball hits the net scored by Chelsea's Didier Drogba (2nd right) during their Champions League Group A match at Stamford Bridge in London yesterday. - reuters

london (ap)

Didier Drogba scored yesterday to lead Chelsea to a 1-0 win over FC Barcelona in the Champions League and a five-point lead in Group A.

Drogba scored with a low shot from just inside the area in the 47th minute as Chelsea largely outplayed the defending champions at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea have a maximum nine points from three games, while Barcelona have four.

Although Chelsea had the better chances and possession, they needed goalkeeper Hilario - who was only playing because Petr Cech and backup Carlo Cudicini both had head injuries - to save shots from Lionel Messi and Xavi Hernandez.

The Portuguese goalkeeper also safely held a 30-yard free kick from Ronaldinho under the crossbar.

However, Barcelona needed a late intervention in the 17th minute to prevent a goal. Drogba raced clear from Michael Essien's pass and prodded the ball past goalkeeper Victor Valdes, only for defender Rafael Marquez to race back and clear before Andriy Shevchenko could score from close range.

After a slow first half, left-back Ashley Cole put the ball in from the left and Drogba turned past Carles Puyol before scoring his fourth Champions League goal of the season.

Chelsea should have gone further ahead in the 55th minute when Drogba raced down the right and Frank Lampard passed the ball on to the unmarked Andriy Shevchenko, who shot over the bar with only the goalkeeper to beat.

Valdes rescued Barcelona with a double save in the 68th minute, blocking a shot from Drogba and then diving at the feet of Essien to smother his follow-up shot.