Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti admitted he was content after seeing his side earn a 2-0 win against Spartak Moscow in Russia on Tuesday.

The Blues got the job done without star striker Didier Drogba thanks to first-half goals from Yuri Zhirkov and Nicolas Anelka - the overall showing citing praise from the Italian tactician.

"I think that we played a good game," said Ancelotti. "It was not an easy game because Spartak, above all in the second half, played well.

"But we established good control in that first half, scoring two goals, and then controlled it defensively in the second. We played well at the back, above all Petr Cech, who made some fantastic saves.

"It was an important moment for Yuri, coming back to play for Chelsea in Russia. He scored a fantastic goal and will be very happy," he added.

"He was very good. He played very well and doesn't have a problem playing either left-back or on the left of midfield.

"He scored a very important goal and opened up the game. After that, it was easier for us to win the match.

"Anelka showed his qualities and ability to play in front. He's comfortable playing up there when there's no Didier Drogba. He's a fantastic player and can play in all the positions across that front line."