Chelsea scored a vital away goal in their bid for a Champions League semi-final berth in their 1-0 win over Benfica in Portugal tonight.

Saloman Kalou, who was a surprise starter in the Blues' lineup, was the goalscorer as he tapped in following great work from Fernando Torres.

During the first period, the two sides enjoyed an equal share of possession but both were largely limited to shots from long range, with neither goalkeeper severely tested.

Bruno Cesar warmed the hands of Petr Cech from 25 yards, while Oscar Cardozo wasted a brace of chances.

The Paraguayan international got in behind the Chelsea defence but couldn't control his volley, which harmlessly went into the side-netting, before heading over following Maxi Pereira's cross.

With the half winding down, Raul Meireles came closest to breaking the deadlock but his long-range piledriver was pushed wide by Artur in the Benfica net.

The hosts had more chances to find an opener in the early stages of the second period, but were denied by fine Chelsea defending.

Firstly David Luiz was on hand to frustrate his former club by blocking on the line from Cardozo's close-range volley while minutes later, Petr Cech saved well from the striker's header.

At the other end, Chelsea were able to take one of their few chances, as Kalou applied the finish to a swift counter attack.

Ramires ran down the right before releasing Fernando Torres, who held off his man before finding Kalou, who prodded home from the Spaniard's precisely chipped cross.

The visitors nearly found what would have been a bonus second, but Juan Mata's chip landed on the roof of the net.