Chelsea have once again prevailed on penalties against Barcelona.
It was an entertaining contest and as predicted it finished at 2-all.
Barca had a strong second half while Chelsea had a strong first half.
Hazard and Sandro with the pick of the goals today with good finishes.
Final Score:
Barcelona 2
Chelsea 2
The International Champions Cup continues with Premier League champions Chelsea FC squaring off against reigning European champions FC Barcelona. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 9:45am (AEST).
It has been a pretty ordinary pre-season for Barcelona and Chelsea with both teams suffering convincing defeats against Manchester United and New York Red Bulls respectively.
Barcelona was wasteful in front of goal against Man United and paid a heavy price as they succumbed to a 3-1 defeat. Luiz Suarez in particular hit the post twice and needs to find his range soon with the new season just weeks away.
Of course, the reigning La Liga and Champions League winners are still without superstars Neymar and Lionel Messi, both of whom are resting following their participation at the Copa America.
Chelsea meanwhile managed to bounce back with a win against Paris St Germain on penalties a few days back. It was a step in the right direction for Jose Mourinho’s men following a surprise defeat to MLS side New York.
The reigning Premier League champions however should be primed for a strong showing against Barcelona today. Both teams have plenty of history, particularly in the Champions League where they have played out some truly memorable ties.
Chelsea defied the odds in 2012 to knock Barcelona out of the Champions League in the semi-finals to avenge their 2009 elimination at the hands of the Catalan giants.
Even though today’s match is just a friendly, there are still plenty of subplots that should interest fans who are watching. One of those subplots concerns whether or not Barcelona can trouble the very best teams without global icon Messi in their ranks.
Like Man United before them, Chelsea will certainly fancy their chances of securing a win here if they are proactive in possession. Eden Hazard has to take the game by the throat if he wishes to take that extra leap in his career and become a player to rival Messi and Ronaldo.
In a high scoring contest, a score draw seems a likely result.
Prediction:
Barcelona and Chelsea to draw 2-2
144
Roar Guru
Lucky to get away on penalties again for Chelsea, an interesting match agains the European Champions, hopefully they can lead the English clubs to a much better Champions league campaign
Edward Chipungu
Guest
fantastic game shame we are not Watching
Alan
Roar Guru
Chelsea have once again prevailed on penalties this time against Barcelona. It was an entertaining contest and as predicted it finished at 2 all. Barca had a strong second half while Chelsea had a strong first half. Hazard and Sandro with the pick of the goals today with good finishes. Thanks for your company today. Barcelona 2 Chelsea 2
Alan
Roar Guru
REMY SCORES AND CHELSEA WIN! Barcelona 2 Chelsea 2
Alan
Roar Guru
SANDRO WITH A CRACKING PENALTY. 3-2 CHELSEA Barcelona 2 Chelsea 2
Alan
Roar Guru
RAMIRES SCORES FROM THE SPOT. 3-1 Barcelona 2 Chelsea 2
Alan
Roar Guru
COURTOIS SAVES DOWN TO HIS RIGHT TO DENY PIQUE. Barcelona 2 Chelsea 2
Alan
Roar Guru
MOSES SCORES AND ITS 2-1 Barcelona 2 Chelsea 2
Alan
Roar Guru
MISS. OFF THE POST AND ITS ADVANTAGE CHELSEA. Barcelona 2 Chelsea 2
Alan
Roar Guru
FALCAO SCORES FROM THE SPOT. 1-1 Barcelona 2 Chelsea 2
Alan
Roar Guru
INIESTA SCORES FROM THE SPOT. 1-0 Barcelona 2 Chelsea 2
Alan
Roar Guru
FULLTIME Barcelona 2 Chelsea 2
Alan
Roar Guru
As predicted, the match will finish 2-2. Penalty shoot-out. Have to favour Chelsea because of Courtois. Barcelona 2 Chelsea 2
Alan
Roar Guru
Well the fans have got their money's worth today with four goals, two of which were all class. Chelsea now break forward. Barcelona 2 Chelsea 2
Alan
Roar Guru
89' - Another penalty shoot-out on the way if this match stays a draw. Once again Falcao largely quiet. He hasn't been sighted on the ball. He has a lot of trouble getting involved in matches Barcelona 2 Chelsea 2
Alan
Roar Guru
Cahill scores with the header and that effort has left him a little dazed. He clashes with Masip there but Cahill rewarded for his bravery in the area with a goal. He has a nose bleed for his trouble. Barcelona 2 Chelsea 2
Alan
Roar Guru
GOAL CHELSEA Barcelona 2 Chelsea 2
Alan
Roar Guru
84' - Pedro with a shot and the ball just misses the near post. Barca with a strong second half. Barcelona 2 Chelsea 1
Alan
Roar Guru
83' - Good build-up again from Barca. Corner. Ball headed away. Throw for Barca Barcelona 2 Chelsea 1
Alan
Roar Guru
81' - Ball across the face of goal was inviting for Chelsea but no one in the area to tap the ball home. Barcelona 2 Chelsea 1