Both Chelsea and Manchester City will feel aggrieved after an evening of little reward in the Champions League against German opponents. For the Londoners, "only" a point at home against Schalke was not entirely what they were looking for, especially with a trip to Sporting Lisbon next on their agenda.

Manuel Pellegrini's side fared even worse, losing away to Bayern Munich after keeping their illustrious adversaries at bay for much of the match. It will not get any easier as they face Roma next, fresh from their 5-1 thumping of CSKA Moscow, albeit with the advantage of the Etihad Stadium and their home fans support.



Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho will have been disappointed by the way his side (beaten semi finalists last year in the competition) surrendered a match winning position, although their opponents were always in the game at only 1-0. It was a setback ahead of their potentially epic match up with Manchester City at the weekend, although they still have a 100 per cent record in the league so far this season and sit proudly at the top of the Premier League as a result.

After an early breakthrough last night from Cesc Fabregas for Chelsea (his first for his new club) following protestations from their German opponents over a hefty challenge in the run up to the goal, they would have expected to build on that and add to the scoreline to clinch the win.

They would have also been hoping for the opportunity of resting players for the weekend with the game safe. Unfortunately, the likely decisive second would not come for Mourinho's shuffled pack with ace marksman Diego Costa coming off the bench, as returning legend Didier Drogba had started up front.

The Drogba of old would most likely have scored when through on goal in the second half but he dragged his effort narrowly wide of the post.



It proved costly as Schalke hung in on the night, grew stronger and drew level when Klaas Jan Huntelaar equalised just past the hour mark. Despite Chelsea's best efforts including a Loic Remy effort that was cleared off the line, a winner would not come and they suffered their first disappointment of the season, but a point may not be so bad if Mourinho can galvanise his men for the matches to come.



Manchester City lasted until the very last moments against the mighty Bayern Munich in the Allianz Arena, but were ultimately undone when Jerome Boateng volleyed in, aided by a slight deflection off his colleague Mario Gotze. Star striker Sergio Aguero was left on the bench but his late entrance to the game nearly rescued a point when he almost scored in added on time. In fairness, they were slightly fortunate to not be behind earlier on, with goalkeeper Joe Hart making a number of fine saves to maintain parity. They did though have claims for a penalty when David Silva went down in the box, but their appeals were turned down.

Whether last night's results have any bearing on their match up at the weekend is dubious, but both teams will have plenty to ponder on when the Champions League resumes for them on 30th September.