In the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 clash at Stamford Bridge between Chelsea and Barcelona, the latter started off the match in their usual way of doing things – dominating possession.
But it was Chelsea who looked like the better side on the night. Lionel Messi’s floated in cross from the left was the only clear chance for the visitors as Paulinho headed it wide from goal.
The Blues were much more efficient on the counter and held their shape really well. Willian was unfortunate enough to hit the woodwork twice and Marcos Alonso managed a tame effort from a free kick at the edge of the penalty box.
The second half started off in the same high tempo from Barcelona but the dominance started to shift.
While Chelsea got more and more comfortable on the back foot, Barcelona’s frustration started to take over.
And it was on the hour mark when the hosts broke the deadlock. Willian was allowed acres of space on the edge of the box and the Brazilian curled in a brilliant effort to find the back of the net.
It was just one mistake from Andreas Christiansen which ended up costing the hosts.
Iniesta picked out Messi inside the Chelsea box the and the maestro slotted the ball in with ease. 1-1 for the visitors and it ended that way. All eyes will now be on the 2nd leg of the match, which will decide the fate of the two giants of European football on the 15th of March, 2018 at Nou Camp.
Barcelona Player Ratings:
Marc-Andre ter Stegen – 6/10
He was a spectator for all 3 of Willian’s shots but otherwise did not have much else to do.
Jordi Alba – 6/10
The left-back did everything. He tracked back when needed and surged forward to provide width.
Samuel Umtiti – 6/10
He was solid against the pacey Eden Hazard and cleared off the backline with a calm head.
Gerard Pique – 6/10
He was caught out of position on a few occasions but held his ground.
Sergi Roberto – 5/10
Delivered a couple of quality balls into the box.
Sergio Busquets – 6/10
Calmness personified. Busquets did his usual bit and held onto possession in the tightest of spaces.
Ivan Rakitic – 5/10
He gave away the freekick on the edge of the box and earned himself a yellow card. Was otherwise inconsequential.
Paulinho – 5/10
Completely off his game tonight. The Brazilian might not have done a whole bit wrong but still a poor showing.
Andres Iniesta – 7/10
A clinical mastermind with the ball as he got the assist.
Lionel Messi – 9/10
At one point, Chelsea had 3 men guarding the Argentine and yet Messi still found ways to formulate the Barcelona attacks. In the end, made his mark and gave his side the crucial away goal.
Luis Suarez – 6/10
Was limited to very few touches in between the 3-man Chelsea backline. He did well to get away from the opposition defenders and had one attempt on goal.
Substitutes:
Alex Vidal – 4/10
Came on for Paulinho but struggled to adjust to the pace of the game.
Andre Gomes – NA
