Ancelotti confident of progress after Marseille stroll

Carlo Ancelotti expects Chelsea to take advantage of their strong start in the Champions League by booking their place in the knock-out stages ahead of schedule.

Ancelotti’s side are top of Group F ahead of Spartak Moscow on goal difference after taking the maximum six points from their first two matches.

Chelsea gave the kind of typically efficient display that has become their trademark to defeat Marseille 2-0 at Stamford Bridge thanks to John Terry’s early goal and a Nicolas Anelka penalty.

While the English champions rarely hit top gear, there was never any doubt they would have enough power and cunning to subdue Marseille despite recent wobbles.

Now Blues boss Ancelotti believes Chelsea can effectively seal a spot in the last 16 by taking four points from their next two fixtures, both against Russian club Spartak Moscow on October 19 and November 3.

“I think we are in a good position to qualify. It is a good start but we still have to play four matches,” Ancelotti said.

“The next two games against Spartak Moscow will be very important. I think we have a good possibility to finish in first place.”

After losing in the Premier League for the first time this season at Manchester City on Saturday, Chelsea desperately needed this morale-boosting result.

The key to Chelsea’s return to form was the dynamic play of French duo Anelka and Florent Malouda, who tormented their compatriots with fluid movement and some sublime combinations.

Anelka’s display ensured the suspended Didier Drogba wasn’t missed, while French teenager Gael Kakuta also gave an encouraging performance on his European debut.

“Kakuta was good. He was involved in the game and played for the team,” Ancelotti said.

“This is the most important thing because sometimes a player wants to show his quality too much. I have to congratulate him on his performance.”