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Stalemate at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea and Manchester City draw 0-0 in Rafael Benitez's first game in charge of the Londoners.

Rafael Benitez's first game in charge of Chelsea has ended with in a 0-0 draw at home to Manchester City.

Fernando Torres and Vincent Kompany battle for the ball on November 25, 2012© PA Photos

City started the game with some slick, composed passing, however they could not create any real openings inside the first 10 minutes.

After 21 minutes, however, they did work an excellent chance. Pablo Zabaleta crossed to David Silva at the near post but the Spaniard could only head over.

Chelsea finally started to come into the game around the half-hour mark, but it was still a match lacking in clearcut chances.

Chelsea interim manager Rafa Benitez on the touchline during the match against Manchester City on November 25, 2012© PA Photos

City again created an opening, but Zabaleta's effort from inside the box was kept out by Petr Cech.

Sergio Aguero should have scored three minutes before the break but planted a tame header into the arms of Cech instead.

Yaya Toure almost deceived Cech with a low drive on 59 minutes, but the Chelsea goalkeeper gathered after two attempts. Two minutes later Fernando Torres had a sight of goal but shot over from 12 yards with his left foot.

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini on the touchline during the match against Chelsea on November 25, 2012© PA Photos

City again started to dominate possession inside the final 15 minutes, but were struggling to break through a stubborn Blues defence.

Cech was worked again with 10 minutes left to deflect away a low cross from James Milner.

Despite the late introduction of Mario Balotelli, City remained unable to turn possession into chances and the match ended goalless.

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Rafael Benitez holds the Chelsea shirt as he is unveiled as manager on November 22, 2012
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