Champions League: How Chelsea can keep Barcelona scoreless at Stamford
Roar Rookie By EddieDicker, 18 Apr 2012 EddieDicker is a Roar Rookie
- Tagged:
- barcelona, Champions League, Chelsea, football
Chelsea host Barcelona in the second semi final of this season’s Champions League on Wednesday night (London time), and it is imperative the Blues get some sort of result at home.
If Chelsea are any chance of progressing to the final in Munich on the 19th of May, a win is required. A draw, away goals scored by Barcelona, or a Spanish triumph at Stamford Bridge tomorrow night will surely make the second leg at Camp Nou a mere formality for the European Champions.
Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo needs his team to find the right balance between attack and defence to give themselves a realistic chance of winning this tie.
Chelsea can look at their display against Spurs at Wembley on Sunday as a starting point for this game. When Tottenham had lengthy spells of possession, the Blues defence held strong and spurs were forced into trying their luck from long range as they couldn’t find a way through.
Then when they won the ball they played it quickly up the pitch into space for the midfielders and Drogba in particular.
Although Barcelona’s passing is far more incisive than that of Tottenham, and their possession game far more acute, Chelsea need a similar display at the back to set the platform for the men up front.
David Luiz’s absence may be a blessing in disguise, as his positional play has been under constant criticism this season, and Barcelona’s midfield maestros will no doubt exploit any weaknesses.
Gary Cahill will partner skipper John Terry in the heart of the Blues defence. They will need to be organised to cut out the threat of Lionel Messi and co. However, they must be careful not to focus all their attentions on the little Argentine, as Barcelona have too many quality players that can also hurt you.
Chelsea fans can be positive that they still have players capable of moments of brilliance that can still win them games. Didier Drogba’s goal on Sunday was a stunning piece of skill and power, and proves how much the Ivory Coast captain still has to offer.
Frank Lampard’s free kick was also pure class and set pieces will be vitally important against the Catalan giants.
The short turnaround will leave Di Matteo with some difficult decisions in his team selection. The congested fixture list facing Chelsea towards the end of the season has made his job of keeping the senior players onside somewhat easier. His rotation of the squad has been done out of necessity, resting players as the games come thick and fast.
This could be the perfect stage for Fernando Torres to justify his 50 million pound price tag. The Spanish striker has found some form of late and may get his opportunity up front, with Daniel Sturridge and Soloman Kalou the wide men. Juan Mata will need to be at his creative best in midfield to get the ball to men in space and any opportunities that come Chelsea’s way will need to be taken.
This is not mission impossible for the Blues. They will need to be prepared to spend long periods without the ball, and make sure they make the most of it when they do have it.
Barcelona will be happy to keep possesion and wait for any opportunity to arise, as per their usual formidable style. An away goal would give them a massive advantage heading into the second leg at home, so Chelsea must keep it tight at the back.
Chelsea will need a goal at the bridge to give them something to hold onto at Camp Nou. Mata’s Wembley “ghost goal” would do nicely.
Passionate about your football? Then sign up to The Roar's brand new daily football email, delivering Roaring articles directly to you day-in, day-out. You'll love it!
Click here to join now!
Looking to join The Roar team? We're searching for an experienced Group Sales Manager to lead our team in Sydney. Yes, this does mean you get to work with the site all day long! If you're a digital media sales star, we want to hear from you. Apply now.
The Crowd Says (9) | Page 1 of Comments
Have Your Say
- Explore:
- barcelona, Champions League, Chelsea, football
April 18th 2012 @ 11:49am
Alan Nicolea said | April 18th 2012 @ 11:49am | Report comment
A nil all draw won’t be a bad result for Chelsea. Milan proved that Barca can get tight even at home when the match is still in the balance. A score draw however will not do Chelsea any favours. I feel that Chelsea’s great window of opportunity has closed after coming so close in 2008 and 2009 in the Champions league.
April 18th 2012 @ 1:38pm
JAJI said | April 18th 2012 @ 1:38pm | Report comment
100% CORRECT Alan. In 2008 John Terry slipped over on a late Russian night and the rest is history. Revenge in 2009 was Chelsea’s main aim till Iniesta struck in the 93rd minute. We need to lead 2 to 3-0 heading to the Nou Camp to have any chance
April 18th 2012 @ 5:16pm
Eddie said | April 18th 2012 @ 5:16pm | Report comment
True 0-0 would not be terminal. Chelsea are more than capable of nicking an away goal.
However their defense away from home, particularly against Napoli, has been a shambles. If Benfica’s finishing had been better then they would be hosting Barca tonight, not Chelsea. Terry needs to be at his inspirational best. And blues fans will be hoping the Barca superstars don’t fancy a cold, wet outing in south west London.
April 18th 2012 @ 12:12pm
Steve said | April 18th 2012 @ 12:12pm | Report comment
This is how I see it in general terms.
If Barca play poorly and Chelsea play great – Chelsea win
If Barca play average and Chelsea play ok – scoreless draw
If Barca play ok and Chelsea play well – score draw
If Barca plays well – Barca win
If Barca plays great – massacre
Change Chelsea for any other team and this is pretty much how Barcelona games have gone for the past few years. You really have to rely on Barcelona playing poorly (and usually it involved one of if not a combination of Iniesta, Xavi, Puyol missing the match and/or a bored Messi).
That is of course very general and probably doesn’t take into account Chelsea’s best chance of scoring, which is being absolutely clinical from set pieces.
I feel Chelsea will really have to rely on a mistake, as if Barcelona lose the ball and get it up field to Drogba – he will likely be on his own and be double or triple teamed. If they play 2 strikers, that suggests even more room in the midfield for Xavi, Iniesta, Cesc and Busquets – not really ideal for Chelsea
“Barcelona will be happy to keep possesion and wait for any opportunity to arise, as per their usual formidable style”
This is true to an extent. Barcelona play patiently, but they don’t wait for an opportunity, they usually force the opportunity through widening the field, intricate one-twos and “ghost-runs”.
April 18th 2012 @ 4:53pm
Mals said | April 18th 2012 @ 4:53pm | Report comment
Yep Barca are the best at letting the ball do the work.
April 19th 2012 @ 12:27pm
Steve said | April 19th 2012 @ 12:27pm | Report comment
So Chelsea played a pretty great defensive game (although Barca still had quite a few glit-edged chances) and Barca were woeful in front of goal (Sanchez and Cesc couldn’t score in a brothel).
Result 1-0 Chelsea.
I say I about picked this.
While Chelsea will park the bus, I expect a far different game at the Camp Nou.
April 19th 2012 @ 4:17pm
Eddie said | April 19th 2012 @ 4:17pm | Report comment
It was an extremely committed Chelsea defense. Ashley Cole’s goal line clearence from Fabregas was brilliant. They managed to keep Messi fairly quiet which went a long way to winning this game.Barca had 78% possesion and ran the midfield, but Chelsea rode their luck and took their only chance.
It will take an almighty display at the Nou Camp for Chelsea to keep this lead; Barca have scored 10 goals in their last two home European games. Both teams have big games this weekend; Chelsea vs Arsenal, Barca vs Real Madrid in an El Classico which will be important in their chase for more domestic success.
How the teams fare in these games may have a bearing on Tuesdays second leg.
April 18th 2012 @ 5:46pm
Bondy said | April 18th 2012 @ 5:46pm | Report comment
Interesting to hear Fabregas say Chelsea play a poorer game under Di Matteo,dont hold as much possesion ,no longer playing a high line,hitting target men in the box with a long ball, as they were with Villas Boas .
I cant see Barcelona not scoring even on the smaller pitch of Stamford Bridge ,i’ll be watching it should be a belter of an atmosphere there .
April 18th 2012 @ 9:43pm
cesfaz said | April 18th 2012 @ 9:43pm | Report comment
All I can see is a gritty first half where both teams really give nothing away before Barca’s short passing game gives Chelsea some tired legs and frustration before eventually taking control and winning 2-0.