This time there was to be no glorious comeback, no triumph against the odds. Chelsea finally got what the detractors believe has been coming to them in Europe. Outplayed by the better side, they lost. Roberto Di Matteo now knows what it is to be mortal, like the rest.
Shakhtar Donetsk succeeded where many, and better, have failed. They created 21 chances but, unlike Chelsea’s previous adversaries, took enough of those to make it count. And they held firm, even when Oscar’s 88th-minute goal rekindled optimism and memories of heroism from the last Champions League campaign.
Might it be? Could it be? No, not this time it wasn’t. Shakhtar did enough to leave the champions of Europe now contemplating a wholly underwhelming defence of their crown. Exit at the group stage? Chelsea’s demanding proprietor will not like that.
