Champions League holders Chelsea started their new campaign to victory as they beat Zenit St Petersburg 1-0 at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday thanks to a goal from Romelu Lukaku.
Thomas Tuchel's side struggled to break past the Russian champions in their first Champions League match since beating Manchester City in last year's final in Porto.
After the match, Tuchel said of his talisman: "I don't want to be a mood-breaker anymore - we won games without Romelu and we delivered results. But he was the kind of man we missed on our team." Were, the type of profile. Not just for his talent but for personality. He's a super humble guy, he loves football, he loves training and is such a good communicator in the dressing room.
“He is open to everyone and it creates a certain atmosphere and energy around the team that we are also proud of, which is what we want because we believe in it. The atmosphere and spirit took us a long way last year. It's very important that we have it again and we have it with Romelu because he loves Chelsea, he knows what this club is about."
Zenit scored the first worthwhile opportunity on 38 minutes as Yaroslav Rakitski straightened his effort on Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, while Lukaku looped a header over.
Chelsea improved after the break and created three quick chances as Hakim Ziyech, Lukaku and Antonio Rudiger all went close.
The breakthrough came on 69 minutes as Lukaku headed home from a Cesar Azpilicueta cross.
"So it's more than just talent that [Lukaku] brings in," Tuchel said. "He brings confidence. He has confidence in himself and takes the pressure off the shoulders of other people around him. He doesn't have the personality of being impatient or losing confidence. He does what he does and it's at a very high level." And we are very happy that he is with us.
"We didn't create many chances for him, many balls, but he is the type of person who doesn't lose confidence or confidence. That's what makes him a world-class striker.
Artem Dzuba equalized in about 80 minutes, but didn't get enough contact on Sardar Azmoun's cross. Mendy needed temporary treatment after the collision.