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
Willian has twice hit the post for Chelsea who have only seen 25 per cent of possession. Barcelona have settled into a passing rhythm but have not got out of second gear and have not hit the target with any of their three shots.
Chelsea 0-0 Barcelona
I said earlier that it looked like Antonio Conte may have got his selection wrong by not starting either Olivier Giroud and Alvaro Morata. Eden Hazard is playing as a number nine and has not been able to influence this game.
Chelsea are compact, threatening on the break and Willian has hit the post twice. You have to say that Chelsea look the side most likely to score, so I guess Conte may be on to something.
Chelsea 0-0 Barcelona
Luis Suarez's wait continues, he can't have touched the ball too many times in that half.
Chelsea 0-0 Barcelona
46: We're back underway. Neither side make any changes at the break.
Chelsea 0-0 Barcelona
47: Barcelona have dominated the ball in the same way they did at the beginning of the first half. Andres Iniesta loses his patience and tries a long range shot which he slices wide with his left foot.
Chelsea 0-0 Barcelona
50: Pedro fires the ball to Eden Hazard's feet in the box and he collapses onto Samuel Umtiti. The crowd make an audacious appeal for a penalty but the referee is not interested.
Chelsea 0-0 Barcelona
52: Look who's in the stands. Carlo Ancelotti won the league and cup double with Chelsea in the 2009-10 season.
Chelsea 0-0 Barcelona
54: Barcelona are starting to turn the screw on Chelsea as they look for a reward to their patient spell in possession. Luis Suarez has a shot from a tight angle which flashes across the face of goal but causes no problems.
Bayern Munich 2-0 Besiktas
52: Bayern Munich have found the second goal and it's Kingsley Coman who links up with Robert Lewandowski to double their lead.
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