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
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
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
22: You fear that Antonio Conte may not have called this right. Chelsea are hopeless when trying to get the ball beyond the halfway line because they have no focal point to aim for and nobody to hold up the ball.
Eden Hazard is playing as a false nine but is drifting into wide areas which means options on the ball are really limited and Barcelona are pressing with ease.
Chelsea 0-0 Barcelona
Well he's certainly overworked in the midfield.
Chelsea 0-0 Barcelona
27: Samuel Umtiti goes down holding his face and I'm not too sure why. Meanwhile Willian bursts forward for Chelsea and draws a foul from Ivan Rakitic who collects a yellow card because the Chelsea winger was advancing into a good area.
Chelsea 0-0 Barcelona
30: Marcos Alonso curls the free kick over the wall but Marc Andre ter Stegen is well placed to deal with the effort which was not hit with the necessary power to take it beyond the goalkeeper.
Chelsea 0-0 Barcelona
33: Chelsea hit the post! Willian receives the ball from Eden Hazard and touches the ball into a central area on the edge of the box then curls an effort towards goal which cannons off the post. Marc Andre ter Stegen was rooted in goal.
Chelsea 0-0 Barcelona
36: Jordi Alba wins a corner off Victor Moses which is this time crossed into the box. Ivan Rakitic's ball into the box is met by Gerard Pique who is tussling with Antonio Rudiger and heads wide.
Chelsea 0-0 Barcelona
40: Willian hits the post again! Antonio Conte and most around Stamford Bridge cannot believe it. He again finds space of the edge of the box and this times whips a shot towards the left post. His slow-rising strike is hit clean and bounces off the post and away.
Chelsea 0-0 Barcelona
42: Chelsea win a free kick and float a ball into the box from deep with Barcelona clear to the edge of the box. Eden Hazard is there and on the volley, fires an effort well over.
Bayern Munich 1-0 Besiktas
45+1: Thomas Muller has put Bayern Munich in front against ten-man Besiktas.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments