Chelsea 0 Sparta Prague 0
Chelsea secured the point they needed to reach the knockout stages of the Champions League tonight but were uninspired in a drab goalless draw against a compact Sparta Prague in their Group G match.
The big-spending London team top the group with 10 points from five games and stand three points ahead of Besiktas, who drew 1-1 away to Lazio in Rome. The Italians are level on five points with Sparta and travel to Prague next month.
Chelsea had won their last seven matches in all competitions but found it difficult to break down a well-organised Czech defence.
Hernan Crespo came closest to a goal when his header from six yards hit the bar after 25 minutes. The Chelsea forward did scramble the ball home after Mutu pounced on the resulting defensive mix-up but his effort was ruled offside.
William Gallas, who scored Chelsea's winner in the reverse fixture, had the best chance of the second half when his central defensive partner John Terry headed a centre from the right back across goal but the Frenchman mistimed his header.
Although Chelsea are guaranteed a place in the last 16 they will be keen to finish top of the group. Their final game on December 9th against Besiktas has been moved from Turkey due to security concerns, although UEFA has yet to decide a venue.