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 0-0 Barcelona
5: Eden Hazard is playing across the entire back line in his false nine position. He collects the ball on the left flank and blasts an effort high and wide, there was certainly a lot of power on his effort but not enough direction.
Chelsea 0-0 Barcelona
6: Jordi Alba concedes a free kick around 40 yards from the Barcelona goal. Cesc Fabregas takes and his cross is headed away and the visitors clear.
Chelsea 0-0 Barcelona
9: Chelsea have started really well and from a corner find Antonio Rudiger in the middle who heads wide.
Chelsea 0-0 Barcelona
11: Lionel Messi is causing problems every time he gets the ball. He collects the ball in the centre circle and takes it beyond three players before moving it on.
Chelsea 0-0 Barcelona
13: Barcelona slow the game down to a walking pace and work the ball from left to right and back again. Nobody in blue fancies pressing them.
Chelsea 0-0 Barcelona
15: From the left Lionel Messi clips a ball to Paulinho and he tries to head the ball across the goalkeeper but misses the target.
Bayern Munich 0-0 Besiktas
Meanwhile in German, Besiktas defender Domagoj Vida brings down Robert Lewandowski who is through on goal and is given a red card
Chelsea 0-0 Barcelona
18: Barcelona are really starting to strut their stuff here but it is all in fairly harmless areas. The danger for Chelsea is they know their opponents can go from 0-100 in seconds.
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