The French international, who played as a lone striker as Didier Drogba served his second match of a four-game European suspension, grabbed the lead after 18 minutes.

His superb curling shot after a pull-back from Juliano Belletti found the roof of the net to put the Blues in front.

The visitors survived several scares from Cypriot side APOEL in the second half to emerge winners.

They are on top of Group D on six points, three ahead of second-placed Porto, who heaped more misery on Atletico Madrid with a 2-0 home victory.

Two late goals from Colombian striker Falcao and defender Rolando handed the Portuguese giants their first win after an opening defeat to Chelsea.

Atletico and APOEL have one point each from two games.