Chelsea vs Barcelona

A heartbreaking 93rd minute goal from Andres Iniesta sent Chelsea tumbling out of the Champions League in the most miserable way possible.
The late scorcher also saved our bet with the draw cancelling out our back of Barcelona. Every cloud….

Chelsea’s robust approach to their task at the Nou Camp ultimately reaped some reward when they held Barcelona to a goalless draw in their Champions League semi-final first leg but it only highlighted their limited style and surely the Catalans won’t be frustrated for a second time on Wednesday.

Bullyboy tactics in midfield from the likes of Ballack, Mikel and Essien worked to some extent for Guus Hiddink’s men but they created next to nothing and Barca will be relishing the chance to counter-attack at Stamford Bridge. Progression for the La Liga side would set up the dream final with Manchester United and I think they’ll manage it.

Having already recommended a play on Pep Guardiola’s men in the To Qualify market I’m happy to stick by my guns and we witnessed last night just how important away goals can be. United’s early strikes at the Emirates effectively killed their tie against Arsenal and one piece of magic from Messi, Eto’o or Henry could well seal Chelsea’s fate.

The bookies cannot separate the pair in the Match Odds market but while that is fair enough much like 24 hours ago the better team are worth taking a chance on and the 1.83 about the visitors in the Draw No Bet betting appeals. They certainly possess more creative players on the pitch and we saw on the weekend against Real Madrid just how devastating they can be.

The one area of concern is the away team’s defensive problems, with both Carlos Puyol and Rafa Marquez absent, but Guardiola’s back four is so brilliantly shielded by Toure, Xavi and Iniesta that I think they can overcome it and a date with the defending champions in Rome would certainly be one to savour.