FT: Chelsea 0 Man Utd 1

90 It's all over and Wayne Rooney's first-half strike has given Manchester United a valuable 1-0 victory over Chelsea in the first leg of this Champions League quarter-final at Stamford Bridge. The Blues will argue they should have been awarded a stoppage-time penalty when Evra fouled Ramires but Sir Alex Ferguson's men probably just about deserve to edge it and they'll now be favourites to progress ahead of the second leg at Old Trafford next week.

90 United make a final change with Chris Smalling coming on for Park.

90 Torres is shown the yellow card for diving after he went down easily to ground under pressure from Valencia inside the box.

90 Ramires goes down inside the area after a challenge by Evra but the referee Alberto Undiano Mallenco waves away Chelsea's appeals for a penalty.

90 There will be four minutes of stoppage time to play.

90 Anelka's tame shot from outside the area dribbles into van der Sar's possession.

89 A lofted ball comes into the area but Anelka's header goes over the bar.

88 Nani sprints into the area chasing a long ball forward but Cech is quickly off his line and gets there first.

87 Chelsea fans are looking rather crestfallen - can their players give them something to cheer late on?

86 You'd think the worst result possible for United from now is a 1-1 draw - and they would surely have taken that at the start of play.

85 Ivanovic bulldozers his way forward through the United defence but his shot from the edge of the box lacks power and van der Sar collects.

84 United break forward on the counter but there is no urgency to get the ball into the box as they opt instead to keep hold of possession. In the end they go all the way back to van der Sar.

83 Time is fast running out for Chelsea as they search for a much-needed equaliser.

82 Lampard drills his shot low but it's straight at van der Sar, who clutches the ball tightly in his grasp.

81 Ferdinand is penalised for a high boot on Mikel but escapes a booking. But Chelsea do have a dangerous free kick from 25 yards out.

80 Van der Sar takes too much time over the goal kick and is subsequently booked.

79 Lampard's free kick on the left finds Anelka but the Frenchman's flicked header goes wide of the far post.

79 Chelsea make their third change with John Obi Mikel replacing Bosingwa.

78 United make a change with Dimitar Berbatov coming on to replace Hernandez.

77 Chelsea's hopes of winning this first leg are fading fast and they would surely take a draw if it was offered to them now.

76 Torres must be wondering what exactly he has to do to score a goal for Chelsea after yet another near miss tonight.

75 Bosingwa's cross hangs in the air for Torres, who sees his looping header from the left side of the box clawed away by the evergreen van der Sar.

74 Vidic is the latest player to be booked after a clumsy foul in midfield.

73 Evra is down after being hit square in the face by an attempted Bosingwa cross.

72 Ramires delivers a lovely ball into the area but Torres is unable to get on the end of it.

71 Double substitution for Chelsea, with Drogba and Zhirkov leaving the field to be replaced by Nicolas Anelka and Florent Malouda.

70 After a cross from Zhirkov is headed away, Essien drills a sizzling volley just inches wide of the post.

69 Giggs' delivery is better than his last but Chelsea's defence still manage to get the ball clear.

68 United keep the pressure on with Nani down the right and this time his cross is put behind for a corner.

67 Nani's searching cross from the right almost finds Hernandez but Cech manages to get a telling touch just before the Mexican striker gets there.

66 Essien is shown the yellow card after a late lunge on Carrick in midfield.

65 United are sitting deep right now, fully content with their 1-0 advantage. If it stays like this, Sir Alex Ferguson will be very happy indeed.

64 Chelsea look short of ideas at the moment while their fans won't be impressed with the team's body language.

63 Drogba bursts down the right wing but his cross is blocked by Vidic, who then wins possession for the visitors.

62 Giggs' delivery is poor and he can only find a Chelsea shirt inside the box.

61 United win a corner down the left as they press for a second goal.

60 Ramires is booked after a clumsy challenge on Evra in midfield.

59 Roman Abramovich watches nervously from stands - is his Champions League dream fading once again?

58 Hernandez looks to get forward down the right wing but he's penalised for a foul on Cole.

57 Lampard's cross from the left is controlled by Drogba before the striker attempts an overhead kick which just goes wide of the far post.

56 Rooney has the ball in the net again but the offside flag had long been raised against Hernandez earlier in the move.

55 Drogba rolls it short but Chelsea are unable to get a shot in as United hold firm.

54 Drogba is fouled on the right wing by Park and Chelsea have a free kick in a promising position.

53 Nani tries his luck from distance but his low skidding shot is easily saved by Cech.

52 Rafael is carried off on a stretcher to be replaced by Nani.

51 Rafael has gone down again as a result from that earlier injury sustained in a collision with Drogba.

50 Drogba delivers a brilliant cross from the right which Ramires heads wide - he should have done much better.

50 Meanwhile Rafael trots back on and United are restored to 11 men once again.

50 Cole finds himself in an attacking position on the left but his wayward cross flies behind for a goal kick.

49 Drogba and Rafael collide on the left and the United player has to be taken off the field for treatment.

48 Zhirkov looks to find Ramires with a cross from the left and although Evra slips while trying to intercept, the Frenchman is still able to clear the danger.

47 It won't be easy for Chelsea when you consider that United have yet to concede a goal away from home in the Champions League this season.

46 Chelsea get this second half under way at Stamford Bridge, aiming to at least get back on level terms with Manchester United.

2040 As far as the betting goes, Manchester United are now favourites at 8/13 with Sky Bet to claim a first-leg victory. Chelsea are now out to 5/1 while the draw is available at 11/5. Fernando Torres is 11/2 to net the next goal of the game, with Drogba and Rooney next in the running at 6/1 and 8/1 respectively. Head now to www.skybet.com to place your in-running bets.

45 The half-time whistle sounds and Manchester United head into the break with a slender 1-0 advantage over Chelsea in the first leg of this enthralling Champions League quarter-final.

45 The Blues keep pressing before the interval but United ensure they get bodies in the way of every shot.

45 Chelsea come agonisingly close to scoring as Torres sees an attempt hit the inside of the post before Lampard's follow-up attempt is dramatically cleared off the line by Evra.

45 Rooney blasts a fierce shot from distance but it's straight at Cech in Chelsea goal.

44 Chelsea survive after sustained pressure from United, who see a succession of balls into the box cleared away.

43 United fans are starting to sing the Wembley song - a bit premature although I guess they will be making the trip there for the FA Cup semi-final against Man City!

42 A delightful curling cross from Rooney on the left so nearly finds Hernandez as the ball drifts agonisingly wide of the far post.

41 Drogba floats the delivery into the box but United get the ball clear.

40 Giggs brings down Ivanovic around 30 yards from goal on the right and this could be a dangerous free kick.

39 United's defence is looking very assured tonight even though Ferdinand hasn't played for more than two months.

38 Essien powers past Rooney on the left wing before cutting inside and racing into the box but his cross is then cleared away.

37 Valencia's cross from the right is comfortably dealt with by Terry.

36 Zhirkov is shown the yellow card after a high boot on Hernandez in midfield.

35 Torres charges forward into the area from the right but takes the ball behind under pressure from Nemanja Vidic.

34 Terry tries to squeeze into the box from the left but his cut back is then cleared by the determined United defence.

33 However, the corner is poor and Javier Hernandez hacks the ball away.

32 Chelsea continue to press and a fantastic low cross from Bosingwa is turned behind by Rafael.

31 Yuri Zhirkov dinks a delicate cross into the area from the right but Torres completely miskicks an attempted volley and the chance is lost.

30 Chelsea are looking rather shellshocked at the moment but they can't afford to dwell on Rooney's goal for long.

29 The visitors are full of confidence having taken the lead as they look to dominate possession.

28 Sure enough, the United goalscorer is back on his feet and rushing around as urgently as ever.

27 Rooney is down hurt again after a Chelsea player stands on his foot. He'll be fine though.

26 You can only hear the United fans singing inside Stamford Bridge now but the hosts will need all the support they can get now.

25 The celebrations were thankfully joyous this time rather than an expression of anger as United take the box seat in this quarter-final tie.

24 GOAL ROONEY - Giggs brings down Michael Carrick's high ball brilliantly on the left wing before racing into the area and cutting the ball back for Rooney, who sidefoots a clinical shot into the corner of the net.

23 Drogba rises the highest to head the danger away.

22 United win a corner down the left after the ball goes behind off Branislav Ivanovic.

21 Up at the other end, a cross comes into the box for Rooney but the striker's first touch isn't great and the ball goes out of play.

20 The resulting corner comes to nothing as the visitors clear their lines.

19 Great play from Chelsea leads to Drogba blasting one from the right edge of the box, forcing van der Sar to tip over the bar.

19 Bosingwa bursts down the right wing, beating Evra for pace, before sending his cross behind for a goal kick.

18 It's a bit of a midfield battle at the moment with both sides so far lacking the necessary quality in the final third to break the deadlock.

17 Giggs takes this one short but it goes straight to Ashley Cole inside the area and Chelsea can break forward on the counter.

16 After the initial ball into the box is only half cleared by Drogba, Park's shot is deflected by Bosingwa on its way behind for another corner.

16 Evra does really well on the left to win a corner off Bosingwa.

15 Antonio Valencia crosses from the right but Park Ji-Sung's first-time effort on the edge of the box fails to trouble Cech.

14 Ryan Giggs chips one forward for Rooney but John Terry is there to deal with the danger.

13 It isn't long before the Ivory Coast striker trots back on so panic over as far as Chelsea are concerned.

12 Drogba is down hurt and leaves the field to receive some attention.

11 United did of course lose here 2-1 in their Premier League clash at the start of March but a repeat result tonight wouldn't be so bad for the Red Devils given the away goals rule.

10 Rooney works hard in midfield to prevent a loose ball being picked up on by Frank Lampard, who is making his 500th appearance for Chelsea.

9 Chelsea raid forward down the right but after Bosingwa's cross is blocked by Ferdinand, Torres then floats one behind for a goal kick.

8 If the opening exchanges are anything to go by then this first leg won't finish goalless tonight!

7 Torres picks up a sloppy defensive pass from Evra and dribbles towards the edge of the box before drilling a low shot into the arms of Edwin van der Sar.

6 It's is a cracking atmosphere at Stamford Bridge tonight with the travelling Manchester United fans really making themselves heard.

5 Didier Drogba has a crack at goal from distance but the ball flies high into the stands.

4 It's a frantic start to this match as United now attack down the left before a cross into the area is taken by Petr Cech.

3 Wayne Rooney goes down hurt - much to the delight of the home fans - after being clipped by Michael Essien. However, he should be OK to continue.

2 Chelsea start brightly with a long succession of passes resulting in a cross from Jose Bosingwa on the right which Fernando Torres nearly gets on the end of before Rio Ferdinand gets it clear.

1 Manchester United get this Champions League quarter-final first leg under way against Chelsea as they aim to end a nine-year wait for a win at Stamford Bridge.

1944 Time up for emails before kick-off. I'm giving the last word to the amusing Henrietta Hocklington in Hampstead. She says: "Gosh! I think we're in for a spiffingly super match tonight. I'm a true blue Chelsea supporter, but have nothing but admiration for Sir Alec's achievements with Manchester United in Europe over the last 20 years. It was a bit of a shame that Mr Rooney had to say some nasty words in front of the TV camera, but he is only a young man and I'm sure he'll be more mature when he reaches Sir Alec's age. And it's nice to see the former England captain Rio Ferdinand back on the big stage, though he was a bit of a naughty boy once as well. My friend Harriet is a Manchester United supporter, so there will be a friendly bit of jolly banter between us during the match. I think Chelsea will just sneak a 5-1 win in a tight encounter. Harriet thinks Manchester United will win 6-0." It's time for the laughter to stop and the serious action to begin!

1943 A lot of Manchester United fans are disappointed that Nani isn't in the starting line-up. Faizaan, from Islamabad in Pakistan, says: "I'm going with a 2-1 win to United with Drogba, Rooney and Hernandez scoring. I don't get why Nani isn't playing, he barely played on the weekend and he's still on the bench. I hope he gets atleast half an hour to terrorize one of the fullbacks. He's simply class."

1942 Oliver Ovaltine is making a bold prediction of 3-3! He writes: "I think this will be a high scoring draw with four red cards (two for the Blues Brothers & two for the Red Noses). Both these sides will be trying to kill the circus early doors by going for the juggler. This should result in an end to end, shot a minute thriller that even Fulham supporters will find more entertaining than Michael Jackson. I think David Luiz, Michael Essien, Nemanja Vidic and Paul Scholes will be the recipients of the red cards and I wouldn't be surprised if Sir Alec has something to say about the injustice of the reds received by the Reds. Of course the depletion in personnel will contribute to the excitement and I expect Fernando's first hat-trick in the Blue shirt to be celebrated with a blown kiss at the camera instead of a torrent of four letter abuse. I feel Wayne may get injured early and rue the knee injury that will force him to miss the next two games against Fulham and Man City (oh I forgot, he's already missing those isn't he). I reckon Chicarito will bag three for United and celebrate with a smile rather than a scowl. I can't wait for the excitement to begin." I can't see this happening but it was a very entertaining read!

1940 Niall Dunne says: "I think it's a big mistake not to start Nani; I know Park offers more protection along the left, but very few teams can beat Chelsea at the containment game. Better to hit them with everything you've got, it's probably the one thing they wouldn't expect on a night like this."

1938 Chas is another impartial observer and writes: "I am looking forward to this as it will be 11 against 11 unlike the last game where Chelsea had 12 men, but then Atkinson is not allowed to ref at this level - thankfully! Will be interesting to see if Drogba does one of his Oscar candidate dives and hopefully he gets sent off for any attempt to cheat. The last game was spoiled. Lets hope this is a great one!"

1937 Time to hear from a neutral - Rob, a Newcastle fan in Eastbourne. He says: "I think United will win tonight 1-0, but Ferdinand is a big risk Vidic may well be working overtime if Torres finds any kind of form!"

1935 Mike Travers says: "I never bet against United being a fan so I'm going for a 3-2 United, surprisingly Torres to score both their goals!! Rooney 2, Park with the other for united!! COME ON UNITED!" On the flip side you could back against United and have some consolation money if they do lose?!

1934 Steven Boor is tuning in from the States and is also disappointed about United's line-up. He says: "Have to say I'm pretty upset that Carrick is starting, he rarely impresses. Good to see Ferdinand back in the squad, hopefully he plays up to his reputation. Hope to see Nani on as an early sub, his partnership with Valencia on the wings proves deadly. Interesting to see Park starting as well, he is a great part of the team and always works hard when he plays. As for Chelsea, thank goodness David Luiz can't play, he was a great capture. I don't see much attacking mentality in their midfield aside from Lampard. Ramires has shown signs of greatness but I don't think he'll get the chance to go forward much. Zhirkov is an interesting choice, should be a good match- up with Giggs on the left. Don't think Drogba and Torres will ever play nice together, they just don't seem to make it happen. I'm going 2-1 to United, goals from Rooney in the first and Nani on as a sub to score the second. Chelsea pulling one back later through Anelka as a sub." Very detailed prediction!

1932 Barry Lee, writing in South Carolina, says: "Where are Nani and Anderson? Choice of Park and Carrick with Giggs gives us no pace. Big mistake."

1930 I'm being flooded with emails so apologies if your message doesn't get published. Chelsea fan Nick writes: "I have been a committed Chelsea supporter for over 60 years, and for Chelsea this is one of the most important games during that time. If Chelsea lose they have lost everything this season. This will be a magnificent game, many hope one in which Torres will make his mark. If Chelsea win it will make up for the Premiership and FA Cup disappointments. We have no excuse, everyone is fit, this is the last game of the season for Chelsea. I feel a win by a whisker. But it is important we prevent Man U getting any away goals."

1925 Chelsea are the favourites to beat Manchester United in the first leg tonight and they can be backed at 11/10 with Sky Bet. The Red Devils, who are trying to end a nine-year wait for a win at Stamford Bridge, are 13/5 while the draw is priced at 9/4. My tip tonight is a 2-0 win for the Blues, which is 10/1, but I'm not often right so don't put much money on it! Fernando Torres is 11/2 to score first tonight while Drogba is 6/1 - the same price as Wayne Rooney. Head now to www.skybet.com to place your pre-match and in-running bets.

1923 Cian Hughes writes: "I really think this is a big game and really can't wait for the start of this! I think its a tough match! Even at this stage of the Champions League! I'm going to go for a 2-1 win for Chelsea with Drogba & Torres to score. For Man Utd - Hernandez."

1920 Roger Clarke says: "Well, considering whats happened the last few times we've played Chelsea, anything other than a defeat tonight has to be a positive. However, this is a different competition, and United have the pedegree to beat anyone, at any time. ill we win? I don't know. All I know is that this game could either make or break the season - for both teams. My prediction - a boring 1-1 with no team really pushing for the win."

1915 Mark Grimes writes: "Chelsea are going to be gagging to beat United in their current situation, and with the history you've mentioned. But in the end I think United are the stronger side, with current form. If Rooney, chicerito, and Berbatov are on form like on Saturday, I don't think they will have a chance."

1912 United come into this clash on a high after producing a trademark late comeback on Saturday to beat West Ham 4-2 at Upton Park and edge closer to the Premier League title while Chelsea's 1-1 draw at Stoke has pretty much put them out of contention. Therefore the Blues are more eager than ever to clinch the one major trophy that has so far eluded them - but can their misfiring strikers help them open up a crucial first-leg lead tonight? Fernando Torres has yet to find the net at all following his record-breaking £50million move from Liverpool in January while Didier Drogba, Nicolas Anelka and Salomon Kalou have only managed three goals between them in their last nine games in all competitions. That said, if United defend anything like they did in the first half at Upton Park on Saturday, then Chelsea's strikeforce will surely pounce.

1910 Matt Eastwood in Vietnam writes: "Hoping United can keep a clean sheet and sneak one or two goals! Hernandez to get one and rafael the other!"

1905 Manchester United fan Miha Jurgec writes: "A 2-1 defeat will probably do for me, I don't expect a win or anything, and it would be most unwise to predict the final result. An away goal is a necessity I'm afraid, as I can't see Chelsea not scoring at home and they're always dangerous away too. We need to shut the door and Vidic needs to control his temper!"

1900 As you can see from the team sheets below, Manchester United have gambled on Rio Ferdinand's fitness as the defender makes his first appearance for more than two months following a calf injury. Ferdinand is one of three changes for the visitors, who also recall Javier Hernandez and Rafael. Chelsea pair Fernando Torres and Didier Drogba in attack and also start with Yury Zhirkov, who won the controversial penalty that beat United in the Premier League last month. Tonight's referee is Alberto Undiano Mallenco.

The Chelsea team is: Cech, Bosingwa, Zhirkov, Ivanovic, Terry, Cole, Ramires, Lampard, Essien, Drogba, Torres. Subs: Turnbull, Benayoun, Mikel, Malouda, Ferreira, Kalou, Anelka.

The Manchester United team is: Van der Sar, Rafael, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Valencia, Carrick, Park Ji-Sung, Giggs, Hernandez, Rooney. Subs: Kuszczak, Berbatov, Smalling, Nani, Scholes, Evans, Gibson

1850 Good evening and welcome to our live text commentary of tonight's Champions League quarter-final first leg between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge. It is of course a repeat of the 2008 final in Moscow which the Red Devils won after a penalty shoot-out so the Blues will be aiming to gain a measure of revenge by knocking their English rivals out of this season's competition. Let us know your thoughts ahead of tonight's huge showdown my emailing me at christopher.hammer@bskyb.com