Arguably the most exciting prospect of all Last 16 second-leg Champions League ties concludes tonight. Chelsea visit the Nou Camp with a 1-1 scoreline, giving Valverde’s men the advantage.
Barcelona have the vital away goal, and yet it seemed as though Chelsea had momentum. Willian hit the post twice before securing the lead in similar fashion to his misses at Stamford Bridge on February 20.
Lionel Messi was once again the Catalan club’s hero. He slotted home the equaliser with 15 minutes to go. That all important away goal and draw secured.
Much like Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, Antonio Conte has suffered from insomnia recently. Albeit Conte’s sleeplessness began for different reasons:
"“For the manager, for every coach, it is not simple to sleep a lot, especially before these types of games.” – Antonio Conte (via BBC)"
The English champions have been in champions-elect Manchester City’s shadow all season domestically. Conte has reportedly clashed with his board over recruitment policy and management.
However, European success is seemingly redemption for their season. Possibly saving the Italian’s precarious job in the process. Nevertheless, their chances of progression are dramatically reduced through pot-luck opponent selection.
Barcelona faced a similar situation the the one in which Chelsea are facing, last season. Real Madrid won the La Liga, the Champions league, FIFA Club World Cup and the UEFA Super Cup. A dramatic achievement over rivals Barca. So new manager Ernesto Valverde is after silverware this campaign.
Valverde’s men are top of the league. His changed methods included switching to 4-4-2 along with a relentless passing style.
Form
The Blues have slipped domestically. They are currently fifth, after losing three in five in the Premier League. Conte seems to have suffered his dip in form or negative player reaction since speaking out subversively. The Pensioners also travel to Leicester for the quarter-final FA Cup game on Sunday.
While Conte’s men have had mixed fortunes, but Barcelona are rampant. They have scored 10 goals in their previous four league games. Not to mention beating Espanyol to lift the Catalonia Super Cup. Barca are also in the Copa Del Rey Final.
Team news
According to BBC Sport, Andres Iniesta is the only Barcelona doubt. The player dubbed “genius” by Conte, may still feature. Philipe Coutinho is cup-tied, so he will miss this match.
Similarly, Chelsea have Rudiger returning and no other injuries, says the BBC. However, Goal claims Nelson Semedo is out for Barcelona. David Luis is a doubt, while Ross Barkley will not feature for the Blues.
Prediction: Barcelona
With one goalless encounter in the previous 13 matches between the two footballing-giants, I predict a thriller. There has been six draws and five wins apiece. Three goals is my guess. 2-1 to Barcelona.
Having said this, the Londoners can find inspiration from Fernando Torres’ astonishing qualifying goal in Spain six years ago.
Overcoming Barcelona is difficult for any team, it always has been. Valverde surmises the key to a Blaugrana victory, in my opinion.
"“The initial result is good for us but we have to play our game and be ourselves” – Ernesto Valverde"
Should Chelsea begin with Eden Hazard in the “number-10” role, or, as Frank Lampard suggested, bring Alvaro Morata in?