Soccer: Chelsea win UEFA Cup opener

Chelsea were the only British team to record a win in last night’s UEFA Cup ties after beating Levski Sofia of Bulgaria 3-0 at Stamford Bridge.

Eidur Gudjohnsen struck twice, with Frank Lampard adding the third in the dying minutes.

Elsewhere, Aston Villa lost 3-2 to Croatian side NK Varteks, meaning they must win the away leg next Thursday by two goals to keep their UEFA dream alive.

Leeds also lost last night, suffering a humiliating defeat to Portuguese side Maritimo, while Ipswich preserved their immaculate European record at Portman Road with a 1-1 draw against Torpedo Moscow.