LONDON-- Jose Mourinho's Chelsea earned much-needed relief from their domestic woes on Wednesday, beating his former club Porto 2-0 to top Champions League Group G.
An 12th minute own goal which rebounded off Ivan Marcano under pressure from Diego Costa and a well-worked second half strike from Brazilian winger Willian ensured victory for the struggling English champions and sent Porto into the Europa League.
Chelsea, cheered by a beaming owner Roman Abramovich, looked a different side from the one that have slumped to eight domestic defeats in 15 league games, including four at home.
The result takes the pressure off Mourinho after intense speculation that the coach, who has won the Champions League with both Porto and Inter Milan, might lose his job if Chelsea failed to qualify for the knockout stages.
Chelsea looked composed from the start and when Belgian forward Eden Hazard served Costa a perfectly weighted ball in the 12th minute, Iker Casillas in the Porto goal could only parry the Spain striker's shot.
With a slice of the luck that has deserted Chelsea so often this season, the ball rebounded off Porto defender Marcano and into the goal.
Maicon dived desperately to try to clear the ball but the Turkish goal-line assistant referee signalled it had crossed the line and TV replays confirmed the decision.
Chelsea began to play with more freedom and confidence and their impressive form paid off when a speedy passing move between Costa and Hazard in the 52nd minute found Brazilian Willian, who cracked a shot inside the near post beyond the diving Casillas.
With Dynamo Kiev winning in the group's other game, Porto needed to attack and Thibaut Courtois had to keep out strikes from Yacine Brahimi and Cristian Tello.
A jubliant and relieved crowd celebrated a possible turning point in a turbulent season by chanting Mourinho's name.
