Pedro strike earns Chelsea draw in Frankfurt

Pedro struck a crucial away goal for Chelsea as Maurizio Sarri's side came from behind to earn a 1-1 draw with Eintracht Frankfurt at the Commerzbank-Arena.

The Blues hadn't fell behind in a Europa League encounter this term but were left stunned when the hosts, backed by a raucous home support, opened the scoring after 23 minutes. The excellent Luka Jovic once again underlined his credentials, brilliantly heading home his ninth goal of the competition from Filip Kostic's precise cross.

That seemed to spark Sarri's men into life and after some sustained pressure before the break, Pedro grabbed a crucial away goal to level the scores on the stroke of half-time.

The equaliser seemed to deflate Frankfurt as Chelsea took control of the tie after the restart. But despite introducing Eden Hazard - a surprise exclusion from Sarri's XI - with half-an-hour remaining, the visitors were unable to win the game on the night. The excellent Ruben Loftus-Cheek volleyed over from close-range, while David Luiz agonisingly struck the crossbar with a rocket of a free-kick.

David Abraham spurned a rare second-half opportunity for the hosts in the late stages, but that would have been harsh on Chelsea who deserve huge credit for such a remarkable recovery after going a goal down.

The Blues will now prepare for an important home Premier League match on Sunday with Watford as they seek a top-four place, before hosting Eintracht on Thursday, May 9 in the second-leg.

A game of two halves swings in Chelsea's favour. It is 39 years since Frankfurt last played in a semi-final of a European competition and it was clear the rejuvenated German side were desperate to mark the occasion with yet another upset. On a memorable journey to the last four, Adi Hutter's side had knocked out Shakhtar Donestk, Inter Milan and Benfica. And their eyes must have lit up when Chelsea announced their team news, with Hazard omitted from the starting XI. After a frenetic start, they deservedly opened the scoring but couldn't build on their advantage.

Chelsea changed their system at the break and with Frankfurt out on their feet following their early onslaught, the hosts will be counting their lucky stars they were able to cling on for a draw. In the end, it's a good result for the Blues to take back to Stamford Bridge.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Chelsea) - The England international was disappointed to be replaced with seven minutes to play. Driving forward from midfield with pace, power and vigour, Loftus-Cheek was Chelsea's best player. Kante was excellent, as was Jorginho. The latter inspired by Terry Butcher having been bandaged up after being bloodied in a head collision.

Frankfurt: Trapp 7, Hinteregger 7, Abraham 7, Hasebe 6, Falette 6, Fernandes 6, Rode 7, Da Costa 7, Jovic 7, Kostic 7, Gacinovic 6. Subs: Willems n/a, Paciencia.

Chelsea: Kepa 6, Azpilicueta 6, Luiz 7, Christensen 6, Emerson 6, Kante 8, Jorginho 8, Loftus-Cheek 8, Willian 6, Giroud 6, Pedro 7. Subs: Kovacic n/a, Hazard 6.

23' - GOAL! Frankfurt 1-0 Chelsea: Jovic scores his ninth goal of the competition and the hosts take a deserved lead! The energetic Kostic is afforded too much and he duly punishes the Blues, picking out Jovic with a precise cross. He has an awful lot to do but it's a glorious header with just enough power and direction to beat Kepa.

45' - GOAL! Frankfurt 1-1 Chelsea: The hosts fail to clear convincingly from the corner delivery and Loftus-Cheek keeps it alive. He lays it back to Pedro who curls a lovely shot into the corner of the net for his fourth goal of the competition. The Blues have a crucial away goal!

55' - CHANCE! There's a great opening for Chelsea. Loftus-Cheek has the pace and power to break from midfield. He spreads it to Pedro, gets it back and from the edge of the box he shins it over.

59' - OFF THE CROSSBAR! Forget Messi's effort last night, this is almost just as special from Luiz! From 30-35 yards, the Brazilian lets fly. There's pace and swerve in the effort, it looks goalbound, but Trapp gets a fingertip on the shot to push it onto the crossbar!

85' - WHAT A MISS! Frankfurt spurn a golden opportunity to win the game! Abraham is left unmarked to meet a corner delivery, he's a few yards out but somehow heads it over with the bar with the goal gaping!