There were a few too many surprises on matchday 1 of the Champions League, as mighty FC Barcelona barely escaped with a win against a modest APOEL Nicosia side, while Chelsea failed to hold on to a 1-0 lead against Schalke.

The Blaugrana had full control of the game, but just failed to make the most out of their 17 opportunities at goal. Nevertheless, they were able to bag full points with a 1-nil win, thanks to a Gerrard Pique header following a Lionel Messi cross from a set-piece situation.

"I was lucky to score - I don't normally - but I had a great opportunity and it turned out to be the winning goal," said the Barca defender.

"Lionel Messi delivered a really good ball for me and I had only to put it in the net."

Meanwhile, it was a disappointing night for the west Londoners, failing to keep their four-game winning streak alive, after Cesc Fabregas scored the opener on the 11 minute mark, only to be cancelled out by Klaas-Jan Huntelaar early in the second-half.

"We had more than a couple of fantastic chances to win the game but we got a point. It is not the best result but it is a result," Jose Mourinho spoke after the match.

"In the second half they scored, we had a good reaction and I have nothing to complain about with my players."

Barcelona will be facing a tough test in their next fixture against Paris Saint-Germain, while the Blues will visit the Estadio Jose Alvalade to play Sporting Lisbon.

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Barcelonas Gerard Pique C heads the ball to score a goal against Apoel Nicosias player Joao Guilherme L and Vinicius R during their Champions league soccer match at Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona September 17, 2014. REUTERSAlbert Gea
Barcelona's Gerard Pique (C) heads the ball to score a goal against Apoel Nicosia's player Joao Guilherme (L) and Vinicius (R) during their Champions league soccer match at Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona September 17, 2014. REUTERS/Albert Gea
Barcelonas Gerard Pique L celebrates a goal next to Neymar against Apoel Nicosia at Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona September 17, 2014.
Barcelona's Gerard Pique (L) celebrates a goal next to Neymar against Apoel Nicosia at Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona September 17, 2014. REUTERS/Albert Gea
Barcelonas Gerard Pique L celebrates a goal next to Neymar against Apoel Nicosia at Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona September 17, 2014.
Barcelona's Gerard Pique (L) celebrates a goal next to Neymar against Apoel Nicosia at Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona September 17, 2014. REUTERS/Albert Gea
Chelseas Cesc Fabregas R scores a goal against Schalke 04 during their Champions League soccer match against at Stamford Bridge in London September 17, 2014.
Chelsea's Cesc Fabregas (R) scores a goal against Schalke 04 during their Champions League soccer match against at Stamford Bridge in London September 17, 2014. REUTERS/Eddie Keogh
Chelseas Cesc Fabregas celebrates after scoring a goal against Schalke 04 during their Champions League soccer match against at Stamford Bridge in London September 17, 2014.
Chelsea's Cesc Fabregas celebrates after scoring a goal against Schalke 04 during their Champions League soccer match against at Stamford Bridge in London September 17, 2014. REUTERS/Eddie Keogh
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho kicks the match ball during their Champions League soccer match against Schalke 04 at Stamford Bridge in London September 17, 2014.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho kicks the match ball during their Champions League soccer match against Schalke 04 at Stamford Bridge in London September 17, 2014. REUTERS/Eddie Keogh
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