Mohamed Salah made a rare start as already-qualified Chelsea claimed a 3-1 win over Sporting Lisbon in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday. The Egyptian winger's second Champions League appearance this term lasted 71 minutes before he was replaced with striker Loic Remy. He made a fine impact and was unlucky not to score seven minutes after the interval when his left-foot shot from the edge of the area was brilliantly blocked by Sporting keeper Rui Patricio. Sporting Lisbon were eliminated following the defeat, with the Portuguese side surrendering second place to Schalke in the final round of games in Group H. Sporting required a point at Stamford Bridge to guarantee finishing runner-up behind Chelsea but slipped to 2-0 down after 16 minutes thanks to goals by Cesc Fabregas and Andre Schuerrle. Jonathan Silva reduced the deficit for Sporting in the 50th but John Obi Mikel's goal in 56th minute ensured there was no way back for the visitors. Schalke got the victory they needed at Maribor, winning 1-0 to finish a point above third-place Sporting, which drops into the Europa League. Chelsea were undefeated in group play, winning four games and drawing twice. (For more sports news andupdates, follow AhramOnlineSports on Twitter at@AO_Sportsand on Facebook atAhramOnlineSports.) http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/117650.aspx
