Last season, Chelsea beat Liverpool at the semi-final stage to set up the first all England UEFA Champions League Final, much to the disappointment of Michel Platini. They went on to lose to Manchester United in Moscow on penalties.
This season Chelsea had to overcome Liverpool in the quarter-finals to set up another encounter with Barcelona, and tonight, the stage is set for another epic encounter. With Barcelona apparently playing the best pass and move ‘Brazilian style’ football in the world right now, against a Chelsea team that has regained its ‘never say die’ attitude of a few seasons ago, under the leadership of Guus Hiddink, it promises to be a great game of football.
I am looking forward to seeing Lionel Messi, as I believe he is the most naturally talented player in the world. Due to Ashley Cole’s suspension it looks like Chelsea will switch Jose Boswinga from right to left back in an attempt to stop Messi. But with the likes of Samuel Eto’o and Thierry Henry to contend with, Barcelona will cause offensive problems for Chelsea however they line up.
I believe it is inevitable that Chelsea will concede goals at the Nou Camp, and their best line of defence will be to attack Barca and hope to score at least one vital away goal.
A score draw is the best chance I give Chelsea tonight. But Barca thrashed Bayern Munich in the last round.
As long as they are still in touching distance come the second leg at Stamford Bridge, they will have a chance of reaching the UEFA Champions League Final, setting up the second all-England final (which will piss off Michel Platini) and make amends for last year’s final defeat.
I predict 2-1 to Barcelona in a fiery, fast and furious game of football.
5 comments so far
1 john // Apr 28, 2009 at 3:36 pm
Barcelona could only draw at the weekend 2-2 with Valencia and also face their only rivals in La Liga, Real Madrid away on Saturday. Madrid are now only four points behind Barca, so the pressure really is on Barcelona right now.
2 Adebola Johnson // Apr 28, 2009 at 4:09 pm
The whole World would be stunned today. Chelsea will beat Barcelona at Nou camp by 4 goals to 2. Chelsea will eventually lift the trophy come May 27, 2009. You just wait and see the miracle of the CL.
3 John Nelson // May 6, 2009 at 6:20 pm
Got to be 0-0 then ….. ? Chelsea to win on penalties.
4 John Nelson // May 6, 2009 at 6:27 pm
Sorry Adebola. If its a MAN U. v Chelsea final all money goes on MAN U ….. and you know that.
5 I absolutely dont think that chelsea can reach abetter position than barcelona.Their style of playing just satisfies before goal attempt. // May 6, 2009 at 8:55 pm
Barcelona bravo.kep da candle burning.Ur realy talented greatly.