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
The history
This fixture is the stand-out tie in the round because of the spectacular matches Chelsea and Barcelona have provided over the years.
I could try and run you through some of the best ones but The Independent's chief football writer Miguel Delaney has already done a superb piece on it.
Can Chelsea stop Messi again?
Lionel Messi has a prolific scoring record across Europe but has always fired blanks against Chelsea. In eight attempts, the Argentine has failed to score against Chelsea or a goal in England! Could tonight be the night? Well Ernesto Valerde said, "we know Leo hasn't had much luck against Chelsea, but tomorrow is a different game."
Bayern Munich vs Besiktas
We'll also bring you goal updates from the other game in the Champions League.
Bayern Munich host Turkish side Besiktas and here's how the German champions line up.
Chelsea vs Barcelona
Here's how former Chelsea midfielder Micheal Ballack sees things going tonight. When I think of this fixture I imagine him running in the referee's face in 2009.
Chelsea vs Barcelona
Almost, Ruben! The atmosphere inside Stamford Bridge is building and there's just five minutes until kick off. Remember you can follow all the action right here along with updates from Bayern Munich vs Besiktas.
Chelesa vs Barcelona
The players are making their way onto the pitch and the build up is almost over. The Champions League anthem is playing and it sounds as if the Barcelona fans are booing.
Chelsea vs Barcelona
Some important kit observations before we begin.
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