LONDON (AP) ― Didier Drogba scored in the second minute of first-half stoppage time, and Chelsea held on to beat defending champion Barcelona 1-0 Wednesday night in the first leg of the Champions League semifinals.

Lionel Messi lost possession of the ball in midfield, and Frank Lampard passed to Ramires for a counterattack. Ramires’ cross was swept into the goal by Drogba, who scuffed his shot but still beat goalkeeper Victor Valdes. Barcelona had 72 percent possession, with Alexis Sanchez hitting the crossbar in the ninth minute and Pedro Rodriguez striking a post in second-half injury time.