The Evening Standard's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Chelsea captain John Terry was relieved after his side clung on for a Champions League win over Sporting Lisbon despite missing a host of chances.
Nemanja Matic's first-half header was the only goal, with Chelsea unable to kill the game off and almost made to pay when Nani and Freddy Montero went close in a final 10 minutes dominated by the hosts.
Terry told Sky Sports 5: "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.
"We had so many chances, it was one of those nights where it just didn't go but thankfully 'Mati' came up with a good header.
"We lost our first game last year and came back to win so that was in our mind, that we had to win."
Sporting Lisbon v Chelsea - player ratings
It was Terry's 100th Champions League appearance and he said: "I'm very proud, there's not too many players to achieve that."
Goalscorer Matic has experience of Portuguese football, having rejoined the Blues from Benfica, and said: "I scored against a big rival of Benfica!
"The most important thing is we won, it's not important who scores the goals but I feel good because I scored."
Nani, on loan at Sporting from Manchester United, said: "The first half a few of our players were a bit nervous but in the second half we gave a very good response.
"I think our team deserve congratulations for the performance in the second half."
