Chelsea toppled by sizzling Shakhtar Donetsk

DONETSK, Ukraine (AFP) - Chelsea's hopes of a place in the Champions League last 16 were compromised on Tuesday when the holders fell to the first loss of their trophy defence in a 2-1 defeat at Shakhtar Donetsk.

Despite a late effort by Oscar, goals from Alex Teixeira and Fernandinho were enough to give the Ukrainian champions breathing space at the top of Group E and extend an extraordinary unbeaten run stretching back 11 months.

It was Chelsea's first loss since they went down to Atletico Madrid in the Uefa Super Cup, but things would have been far worse for the Premier League leaders had Juventus not been held to a 1-1 draw at FC Nordsjaelland.

Chelsea remain in second place but are now three points behind Shakhtar ahead of the return game on Nov 7, while coach Roberto Di Matteo must hope for a quick recovery prior to Sunday's visit of Manchester United.