Chelsea 2 Hertha Berlin 0

Chelsea put poor Premiership form behind them to progress into the second stage of the Champions League.

Friday's draw in Geneva will see a London team in the latter stages of the Champions League for the first time.

Didier Deschamps hit his first goal in 73 European matches for OM, Juventus and now Chelsea and his right foot shot screamed into the net too settle any Chelsea nerves.

Didier Deschamps has failed to produce his best form since his summer move from Juventus and his technical style has seen Chelsea fans compare the French star unfavourably to the forward running of Italian favourite Roberto Di Matteo but the French World Cup winner scored one of the goals of his life in this game.

He collected the ball on the left flank in the 10th minute and rode a challenge to continue towards the goal before smashing the ball in a curving shot into the far corner.

It was a thrilling piece of skill to finish from distance as Deschamps struck the ball well before he ran into the penalty area.

Tore Andre Flo produced one of his familiar mazy runs less than minute after Chelsea took the lead and he twisted his way through the German defence only to lose his bearings slightly and pull his shot wide of the far post.

Gianfranco Zola twice came close with long range free kicks but American midfielder Tony Sanneh had a good chance to put Hertha in front in only the second minute. A free kick reached Sanneh at the edge of the area in plenty of space but he directed a powerful header over the bar.

Albert Ferrer hit the second just a minute before half time when he went on a brave forward run as the ball reached Dennis Wise in the centre circle. Wise clipped the ball first time across the Hertha defence and right into the run of the Catalan full back who let the ball drop before driving it into the centre of the net. He took his first goal for the London club with ease.

Sebastian Deisler hit the post after a run and Ed De Goey needed a fine save to deny Ali Daei with an excellent volley in the 54th minute.

Off form striker Chris Sutton spoiled Chelsea's night with a late red card after two petulant bookings for petty fouls but the return of coach Graham Rix to the English club seems to have restored some confidence to the club.

Berlin fans could celebrate as well after AC Milan twice blew the lead in Galatasary to lose 3-2 and Chelsea won Group H with their result but Milan have not even made it into the UEFA Cup.