Soccer: Chelsea suffer first defeat

SEVILLE, Spain - Real Betis ended Chelsea's unbeaten record in this season's Champions League with a 1-0 home victory over the runaway English Premier League leaders today.

Substitute Dani scored the winner in the 28th minute, steering a shot past Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech just three minutes after replacing the injured Ricardo Oliveira.

Chelsea came within a whisker of grabbing an equaliser when midfielder Michael Essien's close-range shot cannoned off both posts 20 minutes from fulltime.

It was Chelsea's second defeat of the season. They also lost to Charlton Athletic on penalties last week in the English League Cup after a 1-1 draw.

Victory lifts Betis to six points, just one behind second-placed Chelsea.

Group G leaders Liverpool have 10 points after a 3-0 victory over Anderlecht.

- REUTERS