Chelsea vs Barcelona: Champions League round of 16, first leg – as it happened
Match report: Messi scores first goal against Chelsea to hand Barca advantage
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Your support makes all the difference.If at first you don't succeed the saying goes and it proved fitting for Willian and Lionel Messi as both scored in an absorbing 1-1 draw between Chelsea and Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie on Tuesday.
Chelsea's outstanding performer Willian could hardly believe his bad luck as twice before halftime he rattled the woodwork.
But the Brazilian was finally rewarded for his persistence in the 62nd minute when he fired Chelsea into the lead on an electrifying night at Stamford Bridge.
Barcelona's talisman Messi had fired blanks on eight previous occasions against Chelsea, most notably in a shock semi-final defeat six years ago, and he rarely had a glimpse of goal on his ninth meeting with the Londoners.
When home defender Andreas Christensen suffered a rush of blood in the 75th minute, however, Messi pounced.
Relive the game below with our live blog:
PREVIEW
What time does it start?
Kick-off is at 7.45pm , on Tuesday February 20.
Where can I watch it?
The match will be broadcast live on BT Sport 2 and BT Sport 4K UHD.
It’s a big game for…
Antonio Conte. It has been a difficult few weeks for Antonio Conte. After not-to-subtle remarks regarding his limited influence on transfers, the Italian has presided over a malaise in form that was compounded by a heavy defeat to Watford two weeks ago. With rumours rising apace regarding his future, success against Barcelona will take the pressure off, for now.
Best stat…
Lionel Messi doesn’t normally have too many issues in front of goal but he does against the Blues. The Argentine magician has yet to score against the West London club in his last eight attempts. He will hope to change that on Tuesday.
Remember when...
Andres Iniesta silences Stamford Bridge with a late equaliser to dump Jose Mourinho’s side out of the tournament on away goals.
Player to watch
Eden Hazard. There will be a plethora of stars on show at the Bridge but its Chelsea’s most valuable asset who will be in the spotlight on Tuesday night. With Alvaro Morata inconsistent in front of goal the Blues have come to rely on their Belgian talisman more than ever. Against a Barcelona side who are known under Ernesto Valverde for being just as formidable defensively as they are going forward, the Blues will need him at his best if they hope to progress.
Past three-meetings
Barcelona 2 (Busquets, Iniesta) Chelsea 2 (Ramires, Torres), Champions League Semi-Final, April 2012
Chelsea 1 (Drogba) Barcelona 0, Champions League Semi-Final, April 2012
Chelsea 1 (Essien) Barcelona 1 (Iniesta), Champions League Semi-Final, May 2009
Form Guide
Chelsea: WWLLW
Barcelona: WDWDW
Odds
Chelsea: 11/4
Barcelona: 7/6
Draw: 5/2
Chelsea 1-1 Barcelona
92: Danny Drinkwater concedes a foul in the middle of the pitch.
Chelsea 1-1 Barcelona
93: Jordi Alba wins a throw off Victor Moses but Barcelona can't take advantage of a dangerous position and Chelsea try to clear but the visitors win back possession.
Chelsea 1-1 Barcelona
Antonio Conte got his tactics spot on but leaves the pitch looking a little disappointed with just a 1-1 draw. Willian hit the post twice in the first half but found a way through after the break with a superb low curling effort.
Chelsea were in control but a loose pass across the box from Andreas Christensen fell to Andres Iniesta who teed up Lionel Messi who scored his first goal against Chelsea after over 700 minutes of trying.
Chelsea 1-1 Barcelona
Feeling learned? Well let us talk you through wonderful Willian, poor Paulinho and smashing Messi.
Chelsea 1-1 Barcelona
Cesc Fabregas and Willian have been talking to BT Sport.
Willian "We created a lot of dangerous chances to score. It is still open, we have to go there and play the same game. We were a bit unlucky, I have to keep on working and look forward to the other games."
Cesc Fabregas "It's such a shame really we went with a game plan and executed it really well. We were compact and solid and created many chances. Willian can score easily a hat trick today.
"We go home today thinking we completed a good work but at the same time you go sad because at 1-0 we could go 2-0. They are very strong but it is still open, we are positive we can compete, we have to play another excellent game to go through.
"You have to have personality in these types of games, when you have the ball you are a bit tired but you have to have personality."
Chelsea 1-1 Barcelona
That's all folks! Chelsea now have to get a win or a score draw against Barcelona at the Nou Camp if they want to progress into the quarter-final of the Champions.
Make sure you come back tomorrow for further live coverage of Manchester United vs Sevilla.
Chelsea 1-1 Barcelona
Read how The Independent's cheif football writer Miguel Delaney called the action from Stamford Bridge.
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