Graham Potter walked away from his first match as Chelsea manager frustrated, as Red Bull Salzburg held his new club to laborious 1-1 draw in the Champions League.
Raheem Sterling 's second-half goal looked to be enough for the Blues, who'd made the controversial decision to sack Thomas Tuchel only a week ago after losing their opening game of the group stage away to Dinamo Zagreb.
But a late equaliser from Noah Okafor meant it was Matthias Jaissle who went home the happier boss, as Salzburg followed up on their plucky draw with AC Milan last time out. Potter's men huffed and puffed but couldn't come up with any magic in the dying embers.
Here are five talking points from Stamford Bridge.
1. Her Majesty remembered
A club proud of its British identity, it was no surprise that Chelsea put on a superb tribute to Queen Elizabeth II on a poignant in west London. As the capital remains at the epicentre of the ongoing national mourning, Graham Potter donned a black suit for the match and Stamford Bridge was encrusted with Union Jack flags.
The Chelsea Pensioners laid a wreath before kick-off, as the entire stadium impeccably observed a minute's silence. Red Bull Salzburg supporters in the away end also paid their respects to the United Kingdom's longest-reigning monarch, unfurling a banner which read: "In memory of Queen Elizabeth II."
2. Blues pay Tuchel tribute
In another heartwarming moment, Chelsea fans marked the 21st minute with a moment of appreciation for now former manager Thomas Tuchel. Sacked just over a week ago in controversial circumstances, the German was honoured at Stamford Bridge after winning the Champions League with the Blues in 2021.
Unfortunate for Tuchel, the competition marked his final game in charge, as Chelsea got off to a rotten start in the group stage by losing 1-0 to Dinamo Zagreb last Tuesday. Blues supporters won't forget his good work the the club, though, exemplified by their minute-long applause.
3. Sterling's three-club feat
In terms events on the pitch, there were plenty of positives for Chelsea after an exciting first half - but no goals. Thankfully for Potter, he'd only have to wait three minutes in the second period before Raheem Sterling scored the first of his new era.
Incisive play from Reece James and Mason Mount, who were strutting their stuff in front of England boss Gareth Southgate, cut through Salzburg's rearguard, as Mount fired a cross into the penalty area. Intended for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang only for the former Arsenal captain fluffed his lines, Sterling was on hand to take control of the ball and curl it home.
Not only was it the first goal of Potter's tenure, but one which made the Blues winger the first player to score in the Champions League for three different English clubs after netting for Liverpool and Manchester City.
4. Salzburg go off script
As the closing stages dawned, Chelsea looked comfortable with their lead - too comfortable. Failing to build on Sterling's strike, Salzburg stabilised and managed to hit the Blues on the counter with a sucker punch.
Mateo Kovacic was dispossessed upfield and Chelsea's attempts to regain possession were hapless and substitute Chukwubuike Adamu bound forward and crossed towards Noah Okafor. The Austrian side's striker nipped in front of Cesar Azpilicueta and slotted home to send the away section in pandemonium.
It wasn't in the script that Potter's maiden match would be such a struggle, but there were still 15 minutes to go.
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5. No magic start for Potter
As slick as his side played and as positive as the mood had been, Graham Potter's start to life in the Stamford Bridge dugout was rendered a frustrating one. Chelsea responded well to Salzburg's equaliser but couldn't break their opponents down for a second time and had to settle for a draw.
With no Premier League fixture to look forward to at the weekend, Potter can gather his thoughts during the international break and prepare himself for a hectic schedule in his honeymoon period.
