This is a far superior Chelsea to the one that was dismantled by Atletico Madrid at the semi-final stage of the Champions League last season, a display that highlighted the limitations of that particular Jose Mourinho team. 

With a few adjustments, most notably the addition of a formidable striker in Diego Costa and the creative talent of Cesc Fabregas, Chelsea returned to action in Europe’s premier club competition on Wednesday night looking to win it again following their 2012 victory. One would be foolish to bet against them on the basis of their league performances so far this season. However, against Schalke, some of their old problems re-emerged. 

From the moment that Fabregas put Chelsea ahead on 11 minutes, his first for his new club, the result against Schalke should never have been in doubt. However, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar’s second half strike ensured that Jens Keller’s men returned to Germany with a point that few would have predicted. 

"We had chances to win the game, but that's football, that's Champions League, that's normal," said Mourinho. 

"Congratulations to Schalke because they got their objective. There is a little bit of frustration for us, because we did everything to win and we could not." 

Spanish international Fabregas has been immense in his appearances so far for Chelsea, as has Costa, who was rested ahead of Sunday’s showdown against champions Manchester City. 

The former Barcelona and Arsenal midfielder created the early goal after dispossessing Schalke’s Max Meyer. The visitors protested that the Spaniard was guilty of a foul. Play continued despite the protestations. The ball fell to Eden Hazard, who spotted that Fabregas had continued his run into the penalty area. The pass was played through to him by the Belgian playmaker. Fabregas kept a cool head and forced the ball under Schalke goalkeeper Ralf Fahrmann. 

Didier Drogba, the Stamford Bridge hero whose goals took Chelsea to the Champions League, led the line in the absence of Costa. The Ivorian had his opportunities, most notably on 60 minutes when he raced through to a Hazard pass before stroking his attempt inches wide of the goal. It would have put Chelsea firmly in control of the tie. One can’t help thinking if a younger Drogba would have put that away. 

"I'm not disappointed with the striker because of one inch, he scores a goal or doesn't score a goal," said Mourinho. 

"I am happy with what he did. If he scores that goal in this moment, we're speaking about 2-0, not 1-1." 

However, moments later, Huntelaar scored the equalising goal. He dispossessed Fabregas in the Chelsea half before racing away with the ball. He found Julian Draxler, who returned the ball to his Dutch teammate. Huntelaar fired a low shot from the edge of the penalty area which found its way beyond goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. 

Mourinho made changes soon after. First he brought on Oscar on 66 minutes, with Costa and Loic Remy being added five minutes later as the home side looked for a response. 

Remy had a shot cleared off line as Chelsea pushed for the winning goal. However, the visitors hung on for the deserved draw.